Methods for washing and processing fruits, vegetables, and other produce with medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid compositions

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to methods employing compositions including medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid for reducing microbial contamination on fruit, vegetable, or other produce; in waters used to transport or process fruit, vegetable, or other produce; or on surfaces employed in transporting or processing fruit, vegetable, or other produce. The present invention also relates to the medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid compositions. The methods include applying a medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition to fruit, vegetable, or other produce; into waters used to transport or process fruit, vegetable, or other produce; or to surfaces employed in transporting or processing fruit, vegetable, or other produce.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to methods employing compositions including medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid for reducing microbial contamination on fruit, vegetable, or other produce; in waters used to transport or process fruit, vegetable, or other produce; or on surfaces employed in transporting or processing fruit, vegetable, or other produce. The present invention also relates to the medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid compositions. The methods include applying a medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition to fruit, vegetable, or other produce; into waters used to transport or process fruit, vegetable, or other produce; or to surfaces employed in transporting or processing fruit, vegetable, or other produce.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The advent of food processing has long since revolutionized both the availability of foods as well as the expectation of consumers for a large variety of high quality food products. One method for processing a large volume of foods, such as, for example, fruits and vegetables, is after selection, to transport these various food stuffs by an aqueous medium to deliver the food stuffs through various processing steps and environments. For example, in specific applications, fresh fruits and vegetables may be transported through water streams by food handling equipment used at the processing plant.

After picking, fruits and vegetables can be introduced into a flume system wherein water acts as a transport medium and a cleaning medium. Water can be used to support and transport the fruits or vegetables from an unloading site to a storage, packing, or processing location. During the transport, water can take a food item from an initial location through a series of somewhat separate stages to a final station where the produce is removed from the water and packed. The water within each stage can have a varying degree of organic load in the form of any number of sediments and soluble materials. This water is generally recycled.

Water can also be used in some of the processing stages to further clean, cool, heat, cook, or otherwise modify the food in some fashion prior to packaging. Process water as defined above may sometimes be used once and discarded. However, often times a major portion of this process water is re-used and is, therefore, subject to organic and microbial contamination. In some stages this process water stream is also used to transport the food. In other stages, the process water may be a separate stream and is recycled apart from the transport water. In either situation, the process water becomes contaminated with organic matter from the food, providing nutrients for microbial growth in the water. Examples of different types of process water are vegetable washers, vegetable cooling baths, poultry chillers, and meat washers.

Given the nature of the food transported as well as the presence of sediments and soluble materials, the water, flume, and other transport or processing equipment may be subject to the growth of unwanted microorganisms. These microorganisms are generally undesirable to the transported food, the water, the flume and may cause buildup on all water contact surfaces of slime or biofilm, which requires frequent cleaning to remove. Further, because the process water and equipment are in contact with food products, the control of unwanted microorganisms presents certain problems created by a food contact environment containing microorganisms.

There are also aqueous streams used to process certain types of food subsequent to packaging. Some foods are often times heated, cooled, or otherwise processed after being placed into packages made of metal, glass, or plastic containers, for example, bottled beer pasteurizers, can cookers, or can coolers. In all cases, contamination of the aqueous streams by food occurs due to leakage from defective packages or spillage on the outside of the package during the packaging operation. These packaged food process streams also are, therefore, subject to unwanted microbial growth and high concentrations of organic matter similar to pre-packaged process and transport water.

Conventional peroxycarboxylic acid compositions, which typically include short chain peroxycarboxylic acids or mixtures of short chain peroxycarboxylic acids and medium chain peroxycarboxylic acids have been used in food transport and processing waters (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,200,189, 5,314,687, 5,409,713, 5,437,868, 5,489,434, 6,674,538, 6,010,729, 6,111,963, and 6,514,556).

A need exists in the food processing industry to provide a method for food transport and processing which also controls soil and microbial load without the use of high concentrations of antimicrobials such as chlorinated compounds or other halogenated constituents.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to methods employing compositions including medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid for reducing microbial contamination on fruit, vegetable, or other produce; in waters used to transport or process fruit, vegetable, or other produce; or on surfaces employed in transporting or processing fruit, vegetable, or other produce. The present invention also relates to the medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid compositions. The methods include applying a medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition to fruit, vegetable, or other produce; into waters used to transport or process fruit, vegetable, or other produce; or to surfaces employed in transporting or processing fruit, vegetable, or other produce.

The present invention relates to methods for reducing microbial contamination on fruit, vegetable, or other produce employing compositions including medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, and to the compositions. The methods include applying a medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition to fruit, vegetable, or other produce. Applying can occur in the field where the produce is growing, at any stage of transport or processing of the produce, at any stage of commerce (e.g., production, wholesaling, retailing, end use at home or restaurant), or the like.

The present invention includes a method for reducing the population of microbes in aqueous streams by applying a medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition to the aqueous stream. The aqueous stream can be an aqueous stream used for transporting or processing food product. The method can include treating the aqueous stream with a medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition, for example, in amount and for time sufficient to reduce the microbial population. Treating can employ a use composition of medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid. The method can include adding to the aqueous stream a medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition.

In an embodiment, the method also includes recovering the medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid antimicrobial composition employed for treating. This embodiment can include adding to the recovered composition a sufficient amount of a medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid to yield a recycled medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid antimicrobial composition. The method can then further include adding the recycled composition to the aqueous stream.

The present invention includes a method for reducing the population of one or more microbes in an aqueous stream. The present method can be employed with aqueous streams used in any number of applications such as the application of streams for the transport of fruits or vegetables into the processing environment and through the various steps of processing. In an embodiment, the invention relates to the control of microbial growth in aqueous streams used for transporting food products in processing environments such as fruit, vegetable and food products, for example, mushrooms, poultry, tomatoes, and the like.

In an embodiment, the present invention includes a medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition effective for reducing the microbial burden in an aqueous stream or on produce. The medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition can include can include about 0.0005 to about 5 wt-% medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid; about 0.001 to about 10 wt-% medium chain carboxylic acid; about 0 to about 99.99 wt-% water; and about 0.001 to about 80 wt-% solubilizer effective for solubilizing the medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid and the medium chain carboxylic acid. The composition can include a microemulsion and/or about 2 or more parts by weight of medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid for each 7 parts by weight of medium chain carboxylic acid. In use form, the medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition can include about 2 to about 500 ppm medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, about 5 to about 2000 ppm medium chain carboxylic acid, about 95 to about 99.99 wt-% water; and about 2 to about 23,000 ppm solubilizer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURE

FIG. 1 illustrates a model flume system than can be employed for evaluating compositions and methods according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Definitions

As used herein, the phrase “medium chain carboxylic acid” refers to a carboxylic acid that: 1) has reduced or is lacking odor compared to the bad, pungent, or acrid odor associated with an equal concentration of small chain carboxylic acid, and 2) has a critical micellar concentration greater than 1 mM in aqueous buffers at neutral pH. Medium chain carboxylic acids exclude carboxylic acids that are infinitely soluble in or miscible with water at 20° C. Medium chain carboxylic acids include carboxylic acids with boiling points (at 760 mm Hg pressure) of 180 to 300° C. In an embodiment, medium chain carboxylic acids include carboxylic acids with boiling points (at 760 mm Hg pressure) of 200 to 300° C. In an embodiment, medium chain carboxylic acids include those with solubility in water of less than 1 g/L at 25° C. Examples of medium chain carboxylic acids include pentanoic acid, hexanoic acid, heptanoic acid, octanoic acid, nonanoic acid, decanoic acid, undecanoic acid, and dodecanoic acid.

As used herein, the phrase “medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid” refers to the peroxycarboxylic acid form of a medium chain carboxylic acid.

As used herein, the phrase “short chain carboxylic acid” refers to a carboxylic acid that: 1) has characteristic bad, pungent, or acrid odor, and 2) is infinitely soluble in or miscible with water at 20° C. Examples of short chain carboxylic acids include formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid.

As used herein, the phrase “short chain peroxycarboxylic acid” refers to the peroxycarboxylic acid form of a short chain carboxylic acid.

As used herein, the term “solubilizer” refers to a component of the present compositions to that makes soluble or increases the solubility in a carrier (e.g., water) of the medium chain carboxylic acid, medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, or mixture thereof. For example, in an embodiment, the solubilizer can keep a composition including medium chain carboxylic acid, medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, or mixture thereof in solution or can keep the composition remain finely and evenly dispersed under ordinary storage conditions without forming a separate layer. The solubilizer can, for example, solubilize a medium chain carboxylic acid to an extent sufficient to allow it to react with an oxidizing agent, such as hydrogen peroxide. A solubilizer can be identified by a test that measures phase separation under ordinary storage conditions, such as room temperature, 100° F., or 60° C. As used herein, the term “solubilizer” does not include short chain carboxylic acids; they are not solubilizers.

As used herein, the term “microemulsion” refers to a thermodynamically stable dispersion of one liquid phase into another stabilized by an interfacial film of surfactant. The dispersion can be oil-in-water or water-in-oil. Microemulsions are typically clear solutions when the droplet diameter is approximately 100 nanometers or less. In an embodiment, the present microemulsion composition is a shear thinning viscoelastic gel that has a blue tyndall appearance.

As used herein, the phrases “blue tyndall appearance” or “blue tyndall” refer to a bluish hue due to scattering of blue light or the blue region of the light spectrum.

As used herein, the phrases “viscoelastic gel” and “viscoelastic liquid” refer to a liquid composition that exhibits both viscous and elastic characteristics or responses, which is indicative of long range order or structure.

As used herein, a composition or combination “consisting essentially” of certain ingredients refers to a composition including those ingredients and lacking any ingredient that materially affects the basic and novel characteristics of the composition or method. The phrase “consisting essentially of” excludes from the claimed compositions and methods short chain carboxylic acids, short chain peroxycarboxylic acids, or mixtures thereof; unless such an ingredient is specifically listed after the phrase.

As used herein, a composition or combination “substantially free of” one or more ingredients refers to a composition that includes none of that ingredient or that includes only trace or incidental amounts of that ingredient. Trace or incidental amounts can include the amount of the ingredient found in another ingredient as an impurity or that is generated in a minor side reaction during formation or degradation of the medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid.

As used herein, the phrase “a level insufficient to solubilize” refers to a concentration of an ingredient at which the ingredient is not sufficient to solubilize an insoluble material and to keep the composition substantially in one phase.

As used herein, the phrases “objectionable odor”, “offensive odor”, or “malodor” refer to a sharp, pungent, or acrid odor or atmospheric environment from which a typical person withdraws if they are able to. Hedonic tone provides a measure of the degree to which an odor is pleasant or unpleasant. An “objectionable odor”, “offensive odor”, or “malodor” has an hedonic tone rating it as unpleasant as or more unpleasant than a solution of 5 wt-% acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, or mixtures thereof.

As used herein, the term “microorganism” refers to any noncellular or unicellular (including colonial) organism. Microorganisms include all prokaryotes. Microorganisms include bacteria (including cyanobacteria), lichens, fungi, protozoa, virinos, viroids, viruses, phages, and some algae. As used herein, the term “microbe” is synonymous with microorganism.

As used herein, the phrase “food product” includes any food substance that might require treatment with an antimicrobial agent or composition and that is edible with or without further preparation. Food products include meat (e.g., red meat and pork), seafood, poultry, fruits and vegetables, eggs, living eggs, egg products, ready to eat food, wheat, seeds, roots, tubers, leafs, stems, corms, flowers, sprouts, seasonings, or a combination thereof. The term “produce” refers to food products such as fruits and vegetables and plants or plant-derived materials that are typically sold uncooked and, often, unpackaged, and that can sometimes be eaten raw.

As used herein, the phrase “plant product” includes any plant substance or plant-derived substance that might benefit from treatment with an antimicrobial agent or composition. Plant products include seeds, nuts, nut meats, cut flowers, plants or crops grown or stored in a greenhouse, house plants, and the like. Plant products include many animal feeds.

As used herein, a processed fruit or vegetable refers to a fruit or vegetable that has been cut, chopped, sliced, peeled, ground, milled, irradiated, frozen, cooked (e.g., blanched, pasteurized), or homogenized. As used herein a fruit or vegetable that has been washed, colored, waxed, hydro-cooled, refrigerated, shelled, or had leaves, stems or husks removed is not processed.

As used herein, the phrase “food processing surface” refers to a surface of a tool, a machine, equipment, a structure, a building, or the like that is employed as part of a food processing, preparation, or storage activity. Examples of food processing surfaces include surfaces of food processing or preparation equipment (e.g., slicing, canning, or transport equipment, including flumes), of food processing wares (e.g., utensils, dishware, wash ware, and bar glasses), and of floors, walls, or fixtures of structures in which food processing occurs. Food processing surfaces are found and employed in food anti-spoilage air circulation systems, aseptic packaging sanitizing, food refrigeration and cooler cleaners and sanitizers, ware washing sanitizing, blancher cleaning and sanitizing, food packaging materials, cutting board additives, third-sink sanitizing, beverage chillers and warmers, meat chilling or scalding waters, autodish sanitizers, sanitizing gels, cooling towers, food processing antimicrobial garment sprays, and non-to-low-aqueous food preparation lubricants, oils, and rinse additives.

As used herein, the phrase “air streams” includes food anti-spoilage air circulation systems.

As used herein, the term “waters” includes food process or transport waters. Food process or transport waters include produce transport waters (e.g., as found in flumes, pipe transports, cutters, slicers, blanchers, retort systems, washers, and the like), belt sprays for food transport lines, boot and hand-wash dip-pans, third-sink rinse waters, and the like.

As used herein, the phrase “densified fluid” refers to a fluid in a critical, subcritical, near critical, or supercritical state. The fluid is generally a gas at standard conditions of one atmosphere pressure and 0° C. As used herein, the phrase “supercritical fluid” refers to a dense gas that is maintained above its critical temperature, the temperature above which it cannot be liquefied by pressure. Supercritical fluids are typically less viscous and diffuse more readily than liquids. Preferably a densified fluid is at, above, or slightly below its critical point. As used herein, the phrase “critical point” is the transition point at which the liquid and gaseous states of a substance merge into each other and represents the combination of the critical temperature and critical pressure for a substance. The critical pressure is a pressure just sufficient to cause the appearance of two phases at the critical temperature. Critical temperatures and pressures have been reported for numerous organic and inorganic compounds and several elements.

As used herein, the terms “near critical” fluid or “subcritical” fluid refer to a fluid material that is typically below the critical temperature of a supercritical fluid, but remains in a fluid state and denser than a typical gas due to the effects of pressure on the fluid. Preferably a subcritical or near critical fluid is at a temperature and/or pressure just below its critical point. For example, a subcritical or near critical fluid can be below its critical temperature but above its critical pressure, below its critical pressure but above its critical temperature, or below both its critical temperature and pressure. The terms near critical and subcritical do not refer to materials in their ordinary gaseous or liquid state.

As used herein, weight percent (wt-%), percent by weight, % by weight, and the like are synonyms that refer to the concentration of a substance as the weight of that substance divided by the weight of the composition and multiplied by 100. Unless otherwise specified, the quantity of an ingredient refers to the quantity of active ingredient.

As used herein, the terms “mixed” or “mixture” when used relating to “peroxycarboxylic acid composition” or “peroxycarboxylic acids” refer to a composition or mixture including more than one peroxycarboxylic acid, such as a composition or mixture including peroxyacetic acid and peroxyoctanoic acid.

As used herein, the term “about” modifying the quantity of an ingredient in the compositions of the invention or employed in the methods of the invention refers to variation in the numerical quantity that can occur, for example, through typical measuring and liquid handling procedures used for making concentrates or use solutions in the real world; through inadvertent error in these procedures; through differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of the ingredients employed to make the compositions or carry out the methods; and the like. The term about also encompasses amounts that differ due to different equilibrium conditions for a composition resulting from a particular initial mixture. Whether or not modified by the term “about”, the claims include equivalents to the quantities.

For the purpose of this patent application, successful microbial reduction is achieved when the microbial populations are reduced by at least about 50%, or by significantly more than is achieved by a wash with water. Larger reductions in microbial population provide greater levels of protection.

As used herein, the term “sanitizer” refers to an agent that reduces the number of bacterial contaminants to safe levels as judged by public health requirements. In an embodiment, sanitizers for use in this invention will provide at least a 99.999% reduction (5-log order reduction). These reductions can be evaluated using a procedure set out in Germicidal and Detergent Sanitizing Action of Disinfectants, Official Methods of Analysis of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists, paragraph 960.09 and applicable sections, 15th Edition, 1990 (EPA Guideline 91-2). According to this reference a sanitizer should provide a 99.999% reduction (5-log order reduction) within 30 seconds at room temperature, 25±2° C., against several test organisms.

As used herein, the term “disinfectant” refers to an agent that kills all vegetative cells including most recognized pathogenic microorganisms, using the procedure described in A.O.A.C. Use Dilution Methods, Official Methods of Analysis of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists, paragraph 955.14 and applicable sections, 15th Edition, 1990 (EPA Guideline 91-2).

As used in this invention, the term “sporicide” refers to a physical or chemical agent or process having the ability to cause greater than a 90% reduction (1-log order reduction) in the population of spores of Bacillus cereus or Bacillus subtilis within 10 seconds at 60° C. In certain embodiments, the sporicidal compositions of the invention provide greater than a 99% reduction (2-log order reduction), greater than a 99.99% reduction (4-log order reduction), or greater than a 99.999% reduction (5-log order reduction) in such population within 10 seconds at 60° C.

Differentiation of antimicrobial “-cidal” or “-static” activity, the definitions which describe the degree of efficacy, and the official laboratory protocols for measuring this efficacy are considerations for understanding the relevance of antimicrobial agents and compositions. Antimicrobial compositions can effect two kinds of microbial cell damage. The first is a lethal, irreversible action resulting in complete microbial cell destruction or incapacitation. The second type of cell damage is reversible, such that if the organism is rendered free of the agent, it can again multiply. The former is termed microbicidal and the later, microbistatic. A sanitizer and a disinfectant are, by definition, agents which provide antimicrobial or microbicidal activity. In contrast, a preservative is generally described as an inhibitor or microbistatic composition.

Washing Fruit, Vegetable, or Other Produce with Medium Chain Peroxycarboxylic Acid Compositions

The concentrate and use compositions of the present invention can be employed for a variety of antimicrobial purposes, for example as or for forming water-based systems for transporting, processing, and/or washing fruit, vegetable, or other produce. The present invention relates to methods for transporting or processing foods, such as, for example, fruits, vegetables, or other produce, using an aqueous medium to transport the food stuffs through, for example, one or more processing steps and environments. According to the present invention, the aqueous medium includes or is a medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition. The present invention includes a method for reducing the population of microbes in aqueous streams by applying or incorporating a medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition to or into the aqueous stream. Generally, the method of the invention is applicable to aqueous streams used in any number of applications such as the application of streams for the transport of fruit, vegetable, or other produce into the processing environment and through the various steps of processing.

In an embodiment, after picking, the present method includes transporting and/or washing fruit, vegetable, or other produce in a stream of an aqueous medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition. For example, an aqueous medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition can be used to support or transport the fruit, vegetable, or other produce from an unloading site to a storage, packing, or processing location. The method can include introducing the fruit, vegetable, or other produce into a flume containing an aqueous medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition.

In an embodiment, the present method includes transporting fresh fruit, vegetable, or other produce in and to food handling equipment used at a processing plant using a stream of an aqueous medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition. For example, the method can include transporting a food item using or in an aqueous medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition from an initial location through a series of individual processing stages to a station where the fruit, vegetable, or other produce is removed from the water and packed. The present invention includes recycling the aqueous medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition used for transporting or processing fruit, vegetable, or other produce.

In an embodiment, the present method includes cleaning (e.g., washing), cooling (e.g., in a bath), heating, cooking, or otherwise processing the fruit, vegetable, or other produce before packaging using an aqueous medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition. In an embodiment, the present method includes transporting and processing the fruit, vegetable, or other produce using the same aqueous stream. In an embodiment, the present method includes transporting the fruit, vegetable, or other produce in a first aqueous stream and processing the fruit, vegetable, or other produce in a second aqueous composition distinct from the transport stream. The present invention includes recycling the aqueous medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition employed in methods for cleaning, cooling, heating, cooking, or otherwise processing the fruit, vegetable, or other produce.

In an embodiment, the present invention includes reducing the population of microbes on or in the water, flume, or other transport or processing equipment employed with the fruit, vegetable, or other produce. The method includes contacting the water, flume, or other transport or processing equipment with medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition. In an embodiment, the present invention includes reducing or preventing the buildup of slime or biofilm on surfaces of the flume or other transport or processing equipment employed with the fruit, vegetable, or other produce. The method includes contacting the surfaces of the flume or other transport or processing equipment with medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition.

The present invention also includes methods for packaging fruit, vegetable, or other produce. In an embodiment, the present method can reduce the microbial population on fruit, vegetable, other produce, or packaging material before or during the packaging operation. The method includes contacting the fruit, vegetable, other produce, or packaging material with medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition before or during the packaging operation. In an embodiment, the present method can reduce the microbial population on packaged fruit, vegetable, other produce. The method includes contacting the package of fruit, vegetable, other produce with medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition.

The present method also includes transporting or processing packaged fruit, vegetable, other produce using the medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition. In an embodiment, the present method includes heating, cooling, or otherwise processing packaged fruit, vegetable, other produce using an aqueous medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition.

In an embodiment, the present invention includes reducing the population of microbes on fruit, vegetable, or other produce. The method can include contacting the fruit, vegetable, or other produce with medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition. Contacting can include applying the present composition to the fruit, vegetable, or other produce. Applying can occur at any step of the life cycle, production cycle, or marketing of the fruit, vegetable, or other produce. For example, the present composition can be applied to the fruit, vegetable, or other produce in the field, in or on any apparatus (e.g., harvester), in a transport apparatus or during transport, in a warehouse, in a processing facility, in a wholesalers, in a retail establishment (e.g., a grocer), in a home, or in a restaurant.

Once the medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition of the invention is applied to any given transport stream, the antimicrobial will be subjected to a demand resulting from microbes present in the stream as well as other organic or inorganic material present in the stream. As a general guideline, not limiting of the invention, the present invention includes the concentrations of medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition found after demand.

In an embodiment, the present compositions exhibit effective antimicrobial activity in a composition including 1 wt-% of a fruit, vegetable, or other produce, such as tomato, pea, corn, bean, or the like. The 1 wt-% of fruit, vegetable, or other produce can include mashed, ground, or homogenized food material.

In an embodiment, the present composition can be evaluated for effectiveness in a model flume delivery system. FIG. 1 illustrates such a system. The illustrated embodiment of such a system includes a make-up tank 10, a flow line 11, a flume tank 12, an overflow tank 14 with discharge pipe or drain 13, pumpline 15, pump 16, and recycle line 18. These can be assembled to model the conditions in food transport flumes used in food processing plants. The make-up water can include synthetic hard water and can be introduced into the flume at a predetermined rate. A fruit or vegetable solution can be introduced into the make-up tank 10. The fruit or vegetable solution can include, for example, 10% ground fruit or vegetable in hard water. The fruit or vegetable solution can be diluted to 1% in the flume through a predetermined flow rate. This test method can also include adding to the make-up water a dirt solution including, for example top soil (e.g., 3.6 wt-%) which can be diluted to, for example, 0.3% in the flume by a predetermined flow rate. Lastly, a medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition can be added to the flume assembly and diluted by a predetermined factor through a predetermined flow rate. The total flow rate and recycle flow rate in the flume can be set at a predetermined level. The total flume volume can be 2.25 gallons with overflow discharged out of overflow tank 14 into discharge reservoir 13.

The advantageous stability of medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid compositions in the present methods, which include the presence of fruit, vegetable, or other produce debris or residue, makes these compositions competitive with cheaper, less stable, and potentially toxic chlorinated compounds. Embodiments of the methods of the present invention can include agitation or sonication of the use composition, particularly as a concentrate is added to water to make the use composition. In an embodiment, the present methods include water systems that have some agitation, spraying, or other mixing of the solution. The fruit, vegetable, or other produce can be contacted with the compositions of the invention effective to result in a reduction significantly greater than is achieved by washing with water, or at least a 50% reduction, at least a 90% reduction, or at least a 99% reduction in the resident microbial preparation.

The present methods can employ a certain minimal contact time of the composition with of fruit, vegetable, or other produce for occurrence of significant antimicrobial effect. The contact time can vary with concentration of the use composition, method of applying the use composition, temperature of the use composition, amount of soil on the fruit, vegetable, or other produce, amount of soil in the aqueous stream, number of microorganisms on the fruit, vegetable, or other produce, number of microorganisms in the aqueous stream, or the like. In an embodiment, the exposure time is at least about 5 to about 15 seconds.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,409,713 (filed Mar. 17, 1993) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,674,538 (filed Mar. 13, 1995) to Lokkesmoe et al. describe aqueous transport streams including peroxycarboxylic acid compositions. These two patents are incorporated herein by reference. U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed evendate herewith and entitled MEDIUM CHAIN PEROXYCARBOXYLIC ACID COMPOSITIONS, is also incorporated herein by reference.

Processing Fruit, Vegetable, or Other Produce Wash Water

Washing fruit, vegetable, or other produce can employ a large volume of water, or another carrier. Fruit, vegetable, or other produce wash water can be used more than once (recycled), provided the water can be treated so that it does not transfer undesirable microbes to the fruit, vegetable, or other produce being washed with the recycled wash water. One way to prevent the transfer of such undesirable microbes, is to reduce the microbial burden of the recycled wash water by adding a medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid. For example, if the fluid to be recycled is water-based and lacking any peroxycarboxylic acid, a medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid concentrate composition can be added to result in an effective antimicrobial concentration of medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid in the fluid to be recycled. Alternatively, if the fluid to be recycled already includes or has included a peroxycarboxylic acid, a medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid concentrate composition can be added to increase any concentration of medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid to an effective antimicrobial level. It may be that the medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid in the composition to be recycled has been totally depleted, in which case more of the medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition is added.

In some circumstances, the water to be recycled includes a substantial burden of organic matter or microbes. If this is the case, the water may be unsuitable for recycling. However, if the water is to be recycled, the operator adds a sufficient quantity of the medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition to provide an effective antimicrobial amount of the medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid after a certain amount is consumed by the organic burden or microbes already present. Then, the recycled fluid can be used with antimicrobial effect. Routine testing can be employed for determining levels of medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, or of organic burden.

In each case, the method of recycling the fruit, vegetable, or other produce wash water includes recovering the wash water, adding a medium chain composition of peroxycarboxylic acids, and reusing the wash water for fruit, vegetable, or other produce, for example, as described above. The fruit, vegetable, or other produce wash water can be recovered from steps in fruit, vegetable, or other produce processing including cleaning (e.g., washing), cooling (e.g., in a bath), heating, or cooking. Methods of recovering wash water from these steps are known. The wash water can also be strained, filtered, diluted, or otherwise cleaned in processed during recycling.

Medium Chain Peroxycarboxylic Acid Antimicrobial Compositions

The present invention includes medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid compositions. The present medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid compositions can include increased levels of medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid compared to conventional peroxycarboxylic acid compositions. The inventive compositions can include medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid and a solubilizer. The solubilizer can increase or maintain the solubility of the medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid. The present medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid compositions can include a microemulsion or a surfactant that can form a microemulsion. The present medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid compositions need not include substantial amounts of short chain carboxylic acid, short chain peroxycarboxylic acid, or mixture thereof. It is believed that, in conventional mixed peroxycarboxylic acid compositions, the short chain carboxylic acid, short chain peroxycarboxylic acid, or mixture thereof can solubilize medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid.

In an embodiment, the present compositions include medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid. These compositions can also include medium chain carboxylic acid. Such compositions can include advantageously high levels of medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid. In an embodiment, the present compositions include about 2 or more parts by weight of medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid for each 7 parts by weight of medium chain carboxylic acid. In an embodiment, the present compositions include about 2 or more parts by weight of medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid for each 6 parts by weight of medium chain carboxylic acid. In an embodiment, the present compositions include about 2 or more parts by weight of medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid for each 5 parts by weight of medium chain carboxylic acid. In an embodiment, the present compositions include about 2 or more parts by weight of medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid for each 4 parts by weight of medium chain carboxylic acid. In an embodiment, the present compositions include about 2 parts by weight of medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid for each 3 parts by weight of medium chain carboxylic acid.

In an embodiment, the present compositions include medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid and solubilizer. The solubilizer can include a solvent, a surfactant, or a mixture thereof. Suitable solvents include any of a variety of solvents that solubilize and do not significantly degrade the medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid. In certain embodiments, suitable solvents include polyalkylene oxide, capped polyalkylene oxide, mixtures thereof, or the like. Suitable solvents include nonionic surfactant, such as alkoxylated surfactant. Suitable alkoxylated surfactants include, for example, EO/PO copolymer, capped EO/PO copolymer, alcohol alkoxylate, capped alcohol alkoxylate, mixtures thereof, or the like. When employed as a solvent a surfactant, such as a nonionic surfactant, can be at concentrations higher than those conventionally employed.

The solubilizer can include surfactant (e.g., microemulsion forming surfactant). Suitable surfactants include anionic surfactant, nonionic surfactant, cationic surfactant, amphoteric surfactant, zwitterionic surfactant, mixtures thereof, or the like. The solubilizer can include a microemulsion forming surfactant. Suitable microemulsion forming surfactants include anionic surfactant, cationic surfactant, amphoteric surfactant, zwitterionic surfactant, mixtures thereof, or the like. Suitable microemulsion forming surfactants include anionic surfactants, such as sulfate surfactant, sulfonate surfactant, phosphate surfactant (phosphate ester surfactant), and carboxylate surfactant, mixtures thereof, or the like.

In an embodiment, the present composition need not include substantial amounts of short chain peroxycarboxylic acid. For example, the present compositions can be free of added short chain peroxycarboxylic acid. As used herein, free of added material refers to a composition that includes the material only as a incidental or trace quantity found, for example, as an ingredient of or impurity in another named ingredient or incidentally generated from a minor side reaction.

In an embodiment, the present composition includes only relatively small amounts of short chain peroxycarboxylic acid. For example, the present composition can include about 1 or more parts of medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid for each 8 parts of short chain carboxylic acid, short chain peroxycarboxylic acid, or mixture thereof. For example, the present composition can include short chain peroxycarboxylic acid at a level insufficient to cause odor offensive to a typical person.

In certain embodiments, the present composition does not include substantial amounts of peroxyacetic acid, is free of added peroxyacetic acid, includes about 1 or more parts of medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid for each 8 parts of peroxyacetic acid, or includes peroxyacetic acid at a level insufficient to cause odor offensive to a typical person.

In an embodiment, the present composition need not include substantial amounts of short chain carboxylic acid. For example, the present compositions can be free of added short chain carboxylic acid. In an embodiment, the present composition includes only relatively small amounts of short chain carboxylic acid. By way of further example, the present composition can include about 1 or more parts of medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid for each 8 parts of short chain carboxylic acid. For example, the present composition can include short chain carboxylic acid at a level insufficient to cause odor offensive to a typical person.

In certain embodiments, the present composition does not include substantial amounts of acetic acid, is free of added acetic acid, includes about 1 or more parts of medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid for each 8 parts of acetic acid, or includes acetic acid at a level insufficient to cause odor offensive to a typical person. In certain embodiments, the present compositions include, for example, less than 10 wt-%, less than less than 5 wt-%, less than 2 wt-%, or less than 1 wt-% acetic acid. In certain embodiments, the present use compositions include, for example, less than 40 ppm, less than 20 ppm, less than 10 ppm, or less than 5 ppm acetic acid.

In an embodiment, the present composition need not include substantial amounts of short chain peroxycarboxylic acid, short chain carboxylic acid, or mixture thereof. For example, the present compositions can be free of added short chain peroxycarboxylic acid, short chain carboxylic acid, or mixture thereof. For example, the present composition can include short chain carboxylic acid, short chain peroxycarboxylic acid, or mixture thereof at a level insufficient to cause odor offensive to a typical person. In certain embodiments, the present composition does not include substantial amounts of acetic acid, peroxyacetic acid, or mixtures thereof; is free of added acetic acid, peroxyacetic acid, or mixtures thereof; includes about 1 or more parts of medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid for each 8 parts of acetic acid, peroxyacetic acid, or mixtures thereof; or includes acetic acid, peroxyacetic acid, or mixtures thereof at a level insufficient to cause odor offensive to a typical person.

In an embodiment, the present composition includes about 1 or more parts of medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid for each 8 parts of short chain carboxylic acid, short chain peroxycarboxylic acid, or mixture thereof. In an embodiment, the present composition includes about 1 or more parts of medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid for each 7 parts of short chain carboxylic acid, short chain peroxycarboxylic acid, or mixture thereof. In an embodiment, the present composition includes about 1 or more parts of medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid for each 6 parts of short chain carboxylic acid, short chain peroxycarboxylic acid, or mixture thereof. In an embodiment, the present composition includes about 1 or more parts of medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid for each 5 parts of short chain carboxylic acid, short chain peroxycarboxylic acid, or mixture thereof. In an embodiment, the present composition includes about 1 or more parts of medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid for each 4 parts of short chain carboxylic acid, short chain peroxycarboxylic acid, or mixture thereof. In an embodiment, the present composition includes about 1 or more parts of medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid for each 3 parts of short chain carboxylic acid, short chain peroxycarboxylic acid, or mixture thereof. In an embodiment, the present composition includes about 1 or more parts of medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid for each 2 parts of short chain carboxylic acid, short chain peroxycarboxylic acid, or mixture thereof. In an embodiment, the present composition includes about 1 or more parts of medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid for each 1 part of short chain carboxylic acid, short chain peroxycarboxylic acid, or mixture thereof.

In an embodiment, the present composition has an odor less unpleasant than (e.g., as measured by an hedonic tone rating) than 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 wt-% acetic acid in water. In an embodiment, the present composition has an odor less unpleasant than (e.g., as measured by an hedonic tone rating) than 5 wt-% acetic acid in water. In an embodiment, the present composition has an odor less unpleasant than (e.g., as measured by an hedonic tone rating) than 4 wt-% acetic acid in water. In an embodiment, the present composition has an odor less unpleasant than (e.g., as measured by an hedonic tone rating) than 3 wt-% acetic acid in water. In an embodiment, the present composition has an odor less unpleasant than (e.g., as measured by an hedonic tone rating) than 2 wt-% acetic acid in water. In an embodiment, the present composition has an odor with an odor less unpleasant than (e.g., as measured by an hedonic tone rating) than 1 wt-% acetic acid in water.

In certain embodiments, the present composition includes one or more of oxidizing agent, acidulant, stabilizing agent, mixtures thereof, or the like. The present composition can include any of a variety of oxidizing agents, for example, hydrogen peroxide. The oxidizing agent can be effective to convert a medium chain carboxylic acid to a medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid. The oxidizing agent can also have antimicrobial activity, although it may not be present at a concentration sufficient to exhibit such activity. The present composition can include any of a variety of acidulants, for example, an inorganic acid. The acidulant can be effective to bring the pH of the present concentrate composition to less than 1, or to bring the pH of the present use composition to about 5 or below, about 4 or below, or about 3 or below. The acidulant can augment the antimicrobial activity of the present composition. The present composition can include any of a variety of stabilizing agents, for example, sequestrant, for example, phosphonate sequestrant. The sequestrant can be effective to stabilize the peroxycarboxylic acid.

In an embodiment, the present composition exhibits advantageous stability of the peroxycarboxylic acid. It is believed that in approximately one year at ambient conditions or room temperature (or 1 week at 60° C.) the amount of peroxycarboxylic acid in the compositions can be about 80% or more, about 85% or more, about 90% or more, or about 95% or more of the initial values or use composition levels. Such aged compositions are included in the scope of the present invention.

In an embodiment, the present composition exhibits advantageous efficacy compared to other antimicrobial compositions at the same level of active. In an embodiment, the present composition has reduced or no volatile organic compounds compared to conventional peroxycarboxylic acid compositions. In an embodiment, the present composition has a higher flash point compared to conventional peroxycarboxylic acid compositions. In an embodiment, the present composition exhibits improved operator or user safety compared to conventional peroxycarboxylic acid compositions. In an embodiment, the present composition exhibits improved storage or transportation safety compared to conventional peroxycarboxylic acid compositions.

In certain embodiments, the present composition includes about 0.0005 to about 5 wt-% medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, about 0.3 to about 7 wt-% medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, about 0.5 to about 5 wt-% medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, about 0.5 to about 4 wt-% medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, about 0.8 to about 3 wt-% medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, about 1 to about 3 wt-% medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, or about 1 to about 2 wt-% medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid. The composition can include any of these ranges or amounts not modified by about.

In certain embodiments, the present composition includes about 0.001 to about 8 wt-% medium chain carboxylic acid, about 1 to about 10 wt-% medium chain carboxylic acid, about 1 to about 8 wt-% medium chain carboxylic acid, about 1.5 to about 6 wt-% medium chain carboxylic acid, about 2 to about 8 wt-% medium chain carboxylic acid, about 2 to about 6 wt-% medium chain carboxylic acid, about 2 to about 4 wt-% medium chain carboxylic acid, about 2.5 to about 5 wt-% medium chain carboxylic acid, about 3 to about 6 wt-% medium chain carboxylic acid, or about 3 to about 5 wt-% medium chain carboxylic acid. The composition can include any of these ranges or amounts not modified by about.

In certain embodiments, the present composition includes about 0 to about 98 wt-% carrier, about 0.001 to about 99.99 wt-% carrier, about 0.2 to about 60 wt-% carrier, about 1 to about 98 wt-% carrier, about 5 to about 99.99 wt-% carrier, about 5 to about 97 wt-% carrier, about 5 to about 90 wt-% carrier, about 5 to about 70 wt-% carrier, about 5 to about 20 wt-% carrier, about 10 to about 90 wt-% carrier, about 10 to about 80 wt-% carrier, about 10 to about 50 wt-% carrier, about 10 to about 20 wt-% carrier, about 15 to about 70 wt-% carrier, about 15 to about 80 wt-% carrier, about 20 to about 70 wt-% carrier, about 20 to about 50 wt-% carrier, about 20 to about 40 wt-% carrier, about 20 to about 30 wt-% carrier, about 30 to about 75 wt-% carrier, about 30 to about 70 wt-% carrier, about 40 to about 99.99 wt-% carrier, about 40 to about 90 wt-% carrier, or about 60 to about 70 wt-% carrier. The composition can include any of these ranges or amounts not modified by about.

In certain embodiments, the present composition includes about 0.001 to about 80 wt-% solubilizer, about 0.001 to about 60 wt-% solubilizer, about 1 to about 80 wt-% solubilizer, about 1 to about 25 wt-% solubilizer, about 1 to about 20 wt-% solubilizer, about 2 to about 70 wt-% solubilizer, about 2 to about 60 wt-% solubilizer, about 2 to about 20 wt-% solubilizer, about 3 to about 65 wt-% solubilizer, about 3 to about 15 wt-% solubilizer, about 4 to about 10 wt-% solubilizer, about 4 to about 20 wt-% solubilizer, about 5 to about 70 wt-% solubilizer, about 5 to about 60 wt-% solubilizer, about 5 to about 20 wt-% solubilizer, about 10 to about 70 wt-% solubilizer, about 10 to about 65 wt-% solubilizer, about 10 to about 20 wt-% solubilizer, about 20 to about 60 wt-% solubilizer, or about 40 to about 60 wt-% solubilizer. The composition can include any of these ranges or amounts not modified by about.

In certain embodiments, the present composition includes about 0.001 to about 30 wt-% oxidizing agent, about 0.001 to about 10 wt-% oxidizing agent, 0.002 to about 10 wt-% oxidizing agent, about 2 to about 30 wt-% oxidizing agent, about 2 to about 25 wt-% oxidizing agent, about 2 to about 20 wt-% oxidizing agent, about 4 to about 20 wt-% oxidizing agent, about 5 to about 10 wt-% oxidizing agent, or about 6 to about 10 wt-% oxidizing agent. The composition can include any of these ranges or amounts not modified by about.

In certain embodiments, the present composition includes about 0.001 to about 50 wt-% acidulant, about 0.001 to about 30 wt-% acidulant, about 1 to about 50 wt-% acidulant, about 1 to about 30 wt-% acidulant, about 2 to about 40 wt-% acidulant, about 2 to about 10 wt-% acidulant, about 3 to about 40 wt-% acidulant, about 5 to about 40 wt-% acidulant, about 5 to about 25 wt-% acidulant, about 10 to about 40 wt-% acidulant, about 10 to about 30 wt-% acidulant, about 15 to about 35 wt-% acidulant, about 15 to about 30 wt-% acidulant, or about 40 to about 60 wt-% acidulant. The composition can include any of these ranges or amounts not modified by about.

In certain embodiments, the present composition includes about 0.001 to about 50 wt-% stabilizing agent, about 0.001 to about 5 wt-% stabilizing agent, about 0.5 to about 50 wt-% stabilizing agent, about 1 to about 50 wt-% stabilizing agent, about 1 to about 30 wt-% stabilizing agent, about 1 to about 10 wt-% stabilizing agent, about 1 to about 5 wt-% stabilizing agent, about 1 to about 3 wt-% stabilizing agent, about 2 to about 10 wt-% stabilizing agent, about 2 to about 5 wt-% stabilizing agent, or about 5 to about 15 wt-% stabilizing agent. The composition can include any of these ranges or amounts not modified by about.

Compositions of Medium Chain Carboxylic Acids and/or Peroxycarboxylic Acids

Peroxycarboxylic (or percarboxylic) acids generally have the formula R(CO₃H)_(n), where, for example, R is an alkyl, arylalkyl, cycloalkyl, aromatic, or heterocyclic group, and n is one, two, or three, and named by prefixing the parent acid with peroxy. The R group can be saturated or unsaturated as well as substituted or unsubstituted. The composition and methods of the invention can employ medium chain peroxycarboxylic acids containing, for example, 6 to 12 carbon atoms. For example, medium chain peroxycarboxylic (or percarboxylic) acids can have the formula R(CO₃H)_(n), where R is a C₅-C₁₁ alkyl group, a C₅-C₁₁ cycloalkyl, a C₅-C₁₁ arylalkyl group, C₅-C₁₁ aryl group, or a C₅-C₁₁ heterocyclic group; and n is one, two, or three.

Peroxycarboxylic acids can be made by the direct action of an oxidizing agent on a carboxylic acid, by autoxidation of aldehydes, or from acid chlorides, and hydrides, or carboxylic anhydrides with hydrogen or sodium peroxide. In an embodiment, the medium chain percarboxylic acids can be made by the direct, acid catalyzed equilibrium action of hydrogen peroxide on the medium chain carboxylic acid. Scheme 1 illustrates an equilibrium between carboxylic acid and oxidizing agent (Ox) on one side and peroxycarboxylic acid and reduced oxidizing agent (Ox_(red)) on the other: RCOOH+Ox

RCOOOH+Ox_(red)  (1) Scheme 2 illustrates an embodiment of the equilibrium of scheme 1 in which the oxidizing agent is hydrogen peroxide on one side and peroxycarboxylic acid and water on the other: RCOOH+H₂O₂

RCOOOH+H₂O  (2) In conventional mixed peroxycarboxylic acid compositions it is believed that the equilibrium constant for the reaction illustrated in scheme 2 is about 2.5, which may reflect the equilibrium for acetic acid. Although not limiting to the present invention, it is believed that the present compositions have an equilibrium constant of about 4.

Peroxycarboxylic acids useful in the compositions and methods of the present invention include peroxypentanoic, peroxyhexanoic, peroxyheptanoic, peroxyoctanoic, peroxynonanoic, peroxydecanoic, peroxyundecanoic, peroxydodecanoic, peroxyascorbic, peroxyadipic, peroxycitric, peroxypimelic, or peroxysuberic acid, mixtures thereof, or the like. The alkyl backbones of these medium chain peroxycarboxylic acids can be straight chain, branched, or a mixture thereof. Peroxy forms of carboxylic acids with more than one carboxylate moiety can have one or more of the carboxyl moieties present as peroxycarboxyl moieties.

Peroxyoctanoic (or peroctanoic) acid is a peroxycarboxylic acid having the formula, for example, of n-peroxyoctanoic acid: CH₃(CH₂)₆COOOH. Peroxyoctanoic acid can be an acid with a straight chain alkyl moiety, an acid with a branched alkyl moiety, or a mixture thereof. Peroxyoctanoic acid is surface active and can assist in wetting hydrophobic surfaces, such as those of microbes.

The composition of the present invention can include a carboxylic acid. Generally, carboxylic acids have the formula R—COOH wherein the R can represent any number of different groups including aliphatic groups, alicyclic groups, aromatic groups, heterocyclic groups, all of which can be saturated or unsaturated as well as substituted or unsubstituted. Carboxylic acids can have one, two, three, or more carboxyl groups. The composition and methods of the invention typically employ medium chain carboxylic acids containing, for example, 6 to 12 carbon atoms. For example, medium chain carboxylic acids can have the formula R—COOH in which R can be a C₅-C₁₁ alkyl group, a C₅-C₁₁ cycloalkyl group, a C₅-C₁₁ arylalkyl group, C₅-C₁₁ aryl group, or a C₅-C₁₁ heterocyclic group.

Suitable medium chain carboxylic acids include pentanoic, hexanoic, heptanoic, octanoic, nonanoic, decanoic, undecanoic, dodecanoic, ascorbic, citric, adipic, pimelic, and suberic acid. The alkyl backbones of these medium chain carboxylic acids can be straight chain, branched, or a mixture thereof. Carboxylic acids which are generally useful are those having one or two carboxyl groups where the R group is a primary alkyl chain having a length of C₄ to C₁₁. The primary alkyl chain is that carbon chain of the molecule having the greatest length of carbon atoms and directly appending carboxyl functional groups.

The present compositions and methods include a medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid. The medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid can include or be a C6 to C 12 peroxycarboxylic acid. The C6 to C12 peroxycarboxylic acid can include or be peroxyhexanoic acid, peroxyheptanoic acid, peroxyoctanoic acid, peroxynonanoic acid, peroxydecanoic acid, peroxyundecanoic acid, peroxydodecanoic acid, or mixture thereof. The medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid can include or be a C7 to C12 peroxycarboxylic acid. The C7 to C12 peroxycarboxylic acid can include or be peroxyheptanoic acid, peroxyoctanoic acid, peroxynonanoic acid, peroxydecanoic acid, peroxyundecanoic acid, peroxydodecanoic acid, or mixture thereof. The medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid can include or be a C6 to C10 peroxycarboxylic acid. The C6 to C10 peroxycarboxylic acid can include or be peroxyhexanoic acid, peroxyheptanoic acid, peroxyoctanoic acid, peroxynonanoic acid, peroxydecanoic acid, or mixture thereof. The medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid can include or be a C8 to C10 peroxycarboxylic acid. The C8 to C10 peroxycarboxylic acid can include or be peroxyoctanoic acid, peroxynonanoic acid, peroxydecanoic acid, or mixture thereof. In certain embodiments, the medium chain peroxyoctanoic acid includes or is peroxyoctanoic acid, peroxydecanoic acid, or mixture thereof. In an embodiment, the medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid includes or is peroxyoctanoic acid.

In certain embodiments, the present composition includes about 0.0005 to about 5 wt-% medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, about 0.3 to about 7 wt-% medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, about 0.5 to about 5 wt-% medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, about 0.5 to about 4 wt-% medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, about 0.8 to about 3 wt-% medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, about 1 to about 3 wt-% medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, or about 1 to about 2 wt-% medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid. The composition can include any of these ranges or amounts not modified by about.

In an embodiment, the present compositions and methods include a medium chain carboxylic acid. The medium chain carboxylic acid can include or be a C6 to C12 carboxylic acid. The C6 to C12 carboxylic acid can include or be hexanoic acid, heptanoic acid, octanoic acid, nonanoic acid, decanoic acid, undecanoic acid, dodecanoic acid, or mixture thereof. The medium chain carboxylic acid can include or be a C7 to C12 carboxylic acid. The C7 to C12 carboxylic acid can include or be heptanoic acid, octanoic acid, nonanoic acid, decanoic acid, undecanoic acid, dodecanoic acid, or mixture thereof. The medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid can include or be a C6 to C10 carboxylic acid. The C6 to C10 carboxylic acid can include or be hexanoic acid, heptanoic acid, octanoic acid, nonanoic acid, decanoic acid, or mixture thereof. The medium chain carboxylic acid can include or be a C8 to C10 carboxylic acid. The C8 to C10 carboxylic acid can include or be octanoic acid, nonanoic acid, decanoic acid, or mixture thereof. In certain embodiments, the medium chain carboxylic acid includes or is octanoic acid, decanoic acid, or mixture thereof. In an embodiment, the medium chain carboxylic acid includes or is octanoic acid.

In certain embodiments, the present composition includes about 0.001 to about 8 wt-% medium chain carboxylic acid, about 1 to about 10 wt-% medium chain carboxylic acid, about 1 to about 8 wt-% medium chain carboxylic acid, about 1.5 to about 6 wt-% medium chain carboxylic acid, about 2 to about 8 wt-% medium chain carboxylic acid, about 2 to about 6 wt-% medium chain carboxylic acid, about 2 to about 4 wt-% medium chain carboxylic acid, about 2.5 to about 5 wt-% medium chain carboxylic acid, about 3 to about 6 wt-% medium chain carboxylic acid, or about 3 to about 5 wt-% medium chain carboxylic acid. The composition can include any of these ranges or amounts not modified by about.

In an embodiment, the compositions and methods include a medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid and the corresponding medium chain carboxylic acid.

In an embodiment, the present composition includes an amount of medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid effective for killing one or more of the food-borne pathogenic bacteria associated with a food product, such as Salmonella typhimurium, Salmonella javiana, Campylobacter jejuni, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli O157:H7, yeast, mold, and the like. In an embodiment, the present composition includes an amount of medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid effective for killing one or more of the pathogenic bacteria associated with a health care surfaces and environments, such as Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella choleraesurus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, mycobacteria, yeast, mold, and the like. The compositions and methods of the present invention have activity against a wide variety of microorganisms such as Gram positive (for example, Listeria monocytogenes or Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram negative (for example, Escherichia coli or Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria, yeast, molds, bacterial spores, viruses, etc. The compositions and methods of the present invention, as described above, have activity against a wide variety of human pathogens. The present compositions and methods can kill a wide variety of microorganisms on a food processing surface, on the surface of a food product, in water used for washing or processing of food product, on a health care surface, or in a health care environment.

Embodiments of the present invention include medium chain carboxylic acid and medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, and certain embodiments specifically exclude short chain peroxycarboxylic acid, short chain carboxylic acid, or mixture thereof. Nonetheless embodiments of the present compositions can include short chain peroxycarboxylic acid, short chain carboxylic acid, or mixture thereof. It is not intended that addition of short chain peroxycarboxylic acid, short chain carboxylic acid, or mixture thereof to a composition should necessarily take a composition outside the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Solubilizers

The present compositions can include a solubilizer. The present invention relates to solubilizers for medium chain carboxylic acids and medium chain peroxycarboxylic acids. In an embodiment, the solubilizer can increase or maintain the solubility in the composition of the medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid or the medium chain carboxylic acid. The present compositions and methods can include any of a variety of suitable solubilizers. For example, the solubilizer can include a solvent, a surfactant, or a mixture thereof. In an embodiment, the surfactant can be employed as a solvent. In an embodiment, the surfactant can form a microemulsion. In an embodiment, the composition including the present solubilizer takes the form of a viscoelastic gel or liquid. In an embodiment, the solubilizer is effective to dissolve octanoic acid at a concentration of 5 wt-% in water. In an embodiment, the solubilizer is effective to dissolve octanoic acid at a concentration of 4 wt-% in water. In an embodiment, the solubilizer is effective to dissolve octanoic acid at a concentration of 3 wt-% in water. In an embodiment, the solubilizer is effective to dissolve octanoic acid at a concentration of 2 wt-% in water.

In certain embodiments, the present composition includes about 0.001 to about 80 wt-% solubilizer, about 0.001 to about 60 wt-% solubilizer, about 1 to about 80 wt-% solubilizer, about 1 to about 25 wt-% solubilizer, about 1 to about 20 wt-% solubilizer, about 2 to about 70 wt-% solubilizer, about 2 to about 60 wt-% solubilizer, about 2 to about 20 wt-% solubilizer, about 3 to about 65 wt-% solubilizer, about 3 to about 15 wt-% solubilizer, about 4 to about 10 wt-% solubilizer, about 4 to about 20 wt-% solubilizer, about 5 to about 70 wt-0% solubilizer, about 5 to about 60 wt-% solubilizer, about 5 to about 20 wt-% solubilizer, about 10 to about 70 wt-% solubilizer, about 10 to about 65 wt-% solubilizer, about 10 to about 20 wt-% solubilizer, about 20 to about 60 wt-% solubilizer, or about 40 to about 60 wt-% solubilizer. The composition can include any of these ranges or amounts not modified by about.

Solvent Solubilizers and Compositions Including Them

In an embodiment, the present compositions and methods can include as solubilizer one or more solvents. Suitable solvents include any of a variety of solvents that solubilize but do not significantly degrade the medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid. Suitable solvents include polyalkylene oxide, capped polyalkylene oxide, glycol ether, nonionic surfactant, mixtures thereof, or the like.

In an embodiment, the present composition includes medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid; medium chain carboxylic acid; carrier; and polyalkylene oxide, capped polyalkylene oxide, nonionic surfactant, or mixture thereof. For example, the present composition can include about 0.5 to about 5 wt-% medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid; about 1 to about 10 wt-% medium chain carboxylic acid; about 1 to about 98 wt-% carrier; and about 1 to about 80 wt-% polyalkylene oxide, capped polyalkylene oxide, nonionic surfactant, or mixture thereof. For example, the present composition can include about 0.5 to about 5 wt-% medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid; about 1 to about 10 wt-% medium chain carboxylic acid; about 5 to about 35 wt-% carrier; and about 20 to about 65 wt-% polyalkylene oxide, capped polyalkylene oxide, nonionic surfactant, or mixture thereof. For example, the present composition can include about 0.5 to about 5 wt-% medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid; about 1 to about 10 wt-% medium chain carboxylic acid; about 10 to about 35 wt-% carrier; and about 40 to about 60 wt-% polyalkylene oxide, capped polyalkylene oxide, nonionic surfactant, or mixture thereof. In an embodiment, the present composition includes solvent solubilizer and less than or equal to 35 wt-% carrier (e.g., water). The composition can include any of these ranges or amounts not modified by about.

In an embodiment, the present composition includes C8 peroxycarboxylic acid; C8 carboxylic acid; water; and polyalkylene oxide, capped polyalkylene oxide, nonionic surfactant, or mixture thereof. For example, the present composition can include about 0.5 to about 5 wt-% C8 peroxycarboxylic acid; about 1 to about 10 wt-% C8 carboxylic acid; about 1 to about 98 wt-% water; and about 1 to about 80 wt-% polyalkylene oxide, capped polyalkylene oxide, nonionic surfactant, or mixture thereof. For example, the present composition can include about 0.5 to about 5 wt-% C8 peroxycarboxylic acid; about 1 to about 10 wt-% C8 carboxylic acid; about 5 to about 35 wt-% water; and about 20 to about 65 wt-% polyalkylene oxide, capped polyalkylene oxide, nonionic surfactant, or mixture thereof. For example, the present composition can include about 0.5 to about 5 wt-% C8 peroxycarboxylic acid; about 1 to about 10 wt-% C8 carboxylic acid; about 10 to about 35 wt-% water; and about 40 to about 60 wt-% polyalkylene oxide, capped polyalkylene oxide, nonionic surfactant, or mixture thereof. The composition can include any of these ranges or amounts not modified by about.

In certain embodiments, the present composition includes about 0.001 to about 80 wt-% solvent as solubilizer, about 0.001 to about 60 wt-% solvent as solubilizer, about 1 to about 80 wt-% solvent as solubilizer, about 5 to about 70 wt-% solvent as solubilizer, about 10 to about 65 wt-% solvent as solubilizer, or about 20 to about 60 wt-% solvent as solubilizer. The composition can include any of these ranges or amounts not modified by about.

In an embodiment, when the present compositions and methods include a solvent as solubilizer, they need not include a significant amount, or even any, of a short chain peroxycarboxylic acid, a short chain carboxylic acid, or a mixture thereof. Examples of short chain carboxylic acids include formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, and butanoic acid. Short chain carboxylic acids and peroxycarboxylic acids include those with 4 or fewer carbon atoms. In an embodiment, the present compositions and methods including a solvent solubilizer need not include substantial amounts of short chain peroxycarboxylic acid. In an embodiment, the present compositions and methods including a solvent solubilizer can be free of added short chain peroxycarboxylic acid.

In an embodiment, the present compositions and methods including a solvent solubilizer can include medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid in greater proportion compared to the short chain peroxycarboxylic acid than found in conventional compositions. For example, the present compositions and methods can include solvent solubilizer and about 1 or more parts of medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid for each 8 parts of short chain carboxylic acid, short chain peroxycarboxylic acid, or mixture thereof. For example, the present compositions and methods can include solvent solubilizer and short chain carboxylic acid, short chain peroxycarboxylic acid, or mixture thereof at a level insufficient to cause odor offensive to a typical person.

Polyalkylene Oxide Solubilizers

Suitable polyalkylene oxides include polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polybutylene glycol, mixtures thereof, or the like. Suitable capped polyalkylene oxides include mono-alkyl and di-alkyl ethers of the respective polyalkylene oxides, such as mono- and di-methyl ethers of polyalkylene glycol, mono- and di-ethyl ethers of polyalkylene glycol, mono- and di-propyl ethers of polyalkylene glycol, mono- and di-butyl ethers of polyalkylene glycol, mixtures thereof, or the like. Suitable capped polyalkylene oxides include methyl polyethylene glycol (e.g., the monomethyl ether of polyethylene glycol), dimethyl polyethylene glycol (e.g., the dimethyl ether of polyethylene glycol), mixtures thereof, or the like.

Glycol Ether Solubilizers

Suitable solvent solubilizers include glycol ethers. Suitable glycol ethers include diethylene glycol n-butyl ether, diethylene glycol n-propyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol t-butyl ether, dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol ethyl ether, dipropylene glycol propyl ether, dipropylene glycol tert-butyl ether, ethylene glycol butyl ether, ethylene glycol propyl ether, ethylene glycol ethyl ether, ethylene glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol methyl ether acetate, propylene glycol n-butyl ether, propylene glycol ethyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycol n-propyl ether, tripropylene glycol methyl ether and tripropylene glycol n-butyl ether, ethylene glycol phenyl ether (commercially available as DOWANOL EPH™ from Dow Chemical Co.), propylene glycol phenyl ether (commercially available as DOWANOL PPH™ from Dow Chemical Co.), and the like, or mixtures thereof. Additional suitable commercially available glycol ethers (all of which are available from Union Carbide Corp.) include Butoxyethyl PROPASOL™, Butyl CARBITOL™ acetate, Butyl CARBITOL™, Butyl CELLOSOLVE™ acetate, Butyl CELLOSOLVE™, Butyl DIPROPASOL™, Butyl PROPASOL™, CARBITOL™ PM-600, CARBITOL™ Low Gravity, CELLOSOLVE™ acetate, CELLOSOLVE™, Ester EEP™, FILMER IBT™, Hexyl CARBITOL™, Hexyl CELLOSOLVE™, Methyl CARBITOL™, Methyl CELLOSOLVE™ acetate, Methyl CELLOSOLVE™, Methyl DIPROPASOL™, Methyl PROPASOL™ acetate, Methyl PROPASOL™, Propyl CARBITOL™, Propyl CELLOSOLVE™, Propyl DIPROPASOL™ and Propyl PROPASOL™.

Nonionic Surfactants

Suitable nonionic surfactants for use as solvents include alkoxylated surfactants. Suitable alkoxylated surfactants include EO/PO copolymers, capped EO/PO copolymers, alcohol alkoxylates, capped alcohol alkoxylates, mixtures thereof, or the like. Suitable alkoxylated surfactants for use as solvents include EO/PO block copolymers, such as the Pluronic and reverse Pluronic surfactants; alcohol alkoxylates, such as Dehypon LS-54 (R-(EO)₅(PO)₄) and Dehypon LS-36 (R-(EO)₃(PO)₆); and capped alcohol alkoxylates, such as Plurafac LF221 and Tegoten EC11; mixtures thereof, or the like. When employed as a solvent a surfactant, such as a nonionic surfactant, can be at concentrations higher than those conventionally employed as surfactant.

Semi-Polar Nonionic Surfactants

The semi-polar type of nonionic surface active agents are another class of nonionic surfactant useful in compositions of the present invention. Semi-polar nonionic surfactants include the amine oxides, phosphine oxides, sulfoxides and their alkoxylated derivatives.

Amine oxides are tertiary amine oxides corresponding to the general formula:

wherein the arrow is a conventional representation of a semi-polar bond; and, R¹, R², and R³ may be aliphatic, aromatic, heterocyclic, alicyclic, or combinations thereof. Generally, for amine oxides of detergent interest, R¹ is an alkyl radical of from about 8 to about 24 carbon atoms; R² and R³ are alkyl or hydroxyalkyl of 1-3 carbon atoms or a mixture thereof; R² and R³ can be attached to each other, e.g. through an oxygen or nitrogen atom, to form a ring structure; R⁴ is an alkylene or a hydroxyalkylene group containing 2 to 3 carbon atoms; and n ranges from 0 to about 20. An amine oxide can be generated from the corresponding amine and an oxidizing agent, such as hydrogen peroxide.

Useful water soluble amine oxide surfactants are selected from the octyl, decyl, dodecyl, isododecyl, coconut, or tallow alkyl di-(lower alkyl) amine oxides, specific examples of which are octyldimethylamine oxide, nonyldimethylamine oxide, decyldimethylamine oxide, undecyldimethylamine oxide, dodecyldimethylamine oxide, isododecyldimethyl amine oxide, tridecyldimethylamine oxide, tetradecyldimethylamine oxide, pentadecyldimethylamine oxide, hexadecyldimethylamine oxide, heptadecyldimethylamine oxide, octadecyldimethylaine oxide, dodecyldipropylamine oxide, tetradecyldipropylamine oxide, hexadecyldipropylamine oxide, tetradecyldibutylamine oxide, octadecyldibutylamine oxide, bis(2-hydroxyethyl)dodecylamine oxide, bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-dodecoxy-1-hydroxypropylamine oxide, dimethyl-(2-hydroxydodecyl)amine oxide, 3,6,9-trioctadecyldimethylamine oxide and 3-dodecoxy-2-hydroxypropyldi-(2-hydroxyethyl)amine oxide.

Surfactant Solubilizers and Compositions Including Them

In an embodiment, the present compositions and methods can include as solubilizer one or more surfactants, e.g., a microemulsion forming surfactant. Suitable surfactants include anionic surfactant, cationic surfactant, amphoteric surfactant, zwitterionic surfactant, mixtures thereof, or the like. Suitable microemulsion forming surfactants include anionic surfactant, cationic surfactant, amphoteric surfactant, zwitterionic surfactant, mixtures thereof, or the like. Suitable microemulsion forming surfactants include anionic surfactant. A microemulsion forming surfactant can form a microemulsion in a composition including a medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, a medium chain carboxylic acid, or a mixture thereof. In an embodiment, the present composition includes a microemulsion.

In an embodiment, the present composition can be determined to be a microemulsion by testing the composition for being a shear thinning viscoelastic gel or liquid that has a blue tyndall appearance. Although not limiting to the present invention, blue tyndall appearance is believed to indicate a heterogeneous system of a small, suspended dispersion (e.g., a microemulsion), which is effective in scattering blue light.

In an embodiment, the present composition can be determined to be a microemulsion by testing the ability to form a physically stable composition at different concentrations of surfactant solubilizer. A microemulsion can yield a curve with a maximum of physical stability at a concentration with unstable compositions at higher and lower concentrations. Typically, mixtures of solvents and surfactants (e.g., acetic acid and surfactant) do not form microemulsions.

In an embodiment, the composition including surfactant solubilizer takes the form of a viscoelastic gel or liquid. Increasing the concentration of the medium chain carboxylic acid, medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, or mixture thereof can increase the degree to which the composition is a viscoelastic gel or liquid. Increasing the concentration of the surfactant solubilizer can increase the degree to which the composition is a viscoelastic gel or liquid. In an embodiment, the gel can be sufficiently viscoelastic to hold its molded shapes. Alkyl benzene sulfonate surfactant (e.g., LAS) can be employed to form a viscoelastic gel or liquid that can hold its molded shape. In an embodiment, the alkyl benzene sulfonate surfactant containing viscoelastic gel can hold its shape even at 60° C.

Although not limiting to the present invention, the present compositions may include medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid sequestered in the surfactant of the microemulsion. This can stabilize the peroxycarboxylic acid by keeping it away from impurities or reducing agents in the bulk water. This can increase the production of peroxycarboxylic acid by pulling it out of solution. Although not limiting to the present invention, it is believed that one explanation for the viscoelastic properties of gels of the present compositions is that they are due to repulsive forces between the dispersions/droplets that are stabilized by the microemulsion-forming surfactant. Surfactants that are charged may increase the electrostatic repulsion. Suitable charged surfactants include anionic surfactants.

In an embodiment, the present composition includes anionic surfactant and another surfactant or surfactants. For example, the present compositions can include anionic surfactant and nonionic surfactant or semi-polar nonionic surfactant.

In an embodiment, the present composition includes medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid; medium chain carboxylic acid; carrier; and one or more surfactants, e.g., microemulsion forming surfactants. For example, the present composition can include about 0.5 to about 5 wt-% medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid; about 1 to about 10 wt-% medium chain carboxylic acid; about 5 to about 97 wt-% carrier; and about 1 to about 20 wt-% surfactant, e.g., microemulsion forming surfactant. For example, the present composition can include about 0.5 to about 5 wt-% medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid; about 1 to about 10 wt-% medium chain carboxylic acid; about 15 to about 80 wt-% carrier; and about 1 to about 20 wt-% surfactant, e.g., microemulsion forming surfactant. For example, the present composition can include about 0.5 to about 5 wt-% medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid; about 1 to about 10 wt-% medium chain carboxylic acid; about 30 to about 70 wt-% carrier; and about 2 to about 20 wt-% surfactant, e.g., microemulsion forming surfactant. In an embodiment, the present composition includes surfactant or microemulsion former solubilizer and greater than or equal to 35 wt-% carrier (e.g., water). The composition can include any of these ranges or amounts not modified by about.

In an embodiment, the present composition includes C8 peroxycarboxylic acid; C8 carboxylic acid; water; and one or more surfactants, e.g., microemulsion forming surfactants. For example, the present composition can include about 0.5 to about 5 wt-% C8 peroxycarboxylic acid; about 1 to about 10 wt-% C8 carboxylic acid; about 5 to about 97 wt-% water; and about 1 to about 20 wt-% surfactant, e.g., microemulsion forming surfactant. For example, the present composition can include about 0.5 to about 5 wt-% C8 peroxycarboxylic acid; about 1 to about 10 wt-% C8 carboxylic acid; about 15 to about 80 wt-% water; and about 1 to about 20 wt-% surfactant, e.g., microemulsion forming surfactant. For example, the present composition can include about 0.5 to about 5 wt-% C8 peroxycarboxylic acid; about 1 to about 10 wt-% C8 carboxylic acid; about 30 to about 70 wt-% water; and about 2 to about 20 wt-% surfactant, e.g., microemulsion forming surfactant. The composition can include any of these ranges or amounts not modified by about.

In certain embodiments, the present composition includes about 0.001 to about 60 wt-% surfactant, e.g., microemulsion forming surfactant, as solubilizer, about 1 to about 25 wt-% surfactant, e.g., microemulsion forming surfactant, as solubilizer, about 1 to about 20 wt-% surfactant, e.g., microemulsion forming surfactant, as solubilizer, about 2 to about 20 wt-% surfactant, e.g., microemulsion forming surfactant, as solubilizer, about 3 to about 15 wt-% surfactant, e.g., microemulsion forming surfactant, as solubilizer, about 4 to about 20 wt-% surfactant, e.g., microemulsion forming surfactant, as solubilizer, about 4 to about 10 wt-% surfactant, e.g., microemulsion forming surfactant, as solubilizer, about 5 to about 20 wt-% surfactant, e.g., microemulsion forming surfactant, as solubilizer, or about 10 to about 20 wt-% surfactant, e.g., microemulsion forming surfactant, as solubilizer. The composition can include any of these ranges or amounts not modified by about.

Anionic Surfactants

The present composition can include an anionic surfactant as solubilizer. Suitable anionic surfactants include organic sulfonate surfactant, organic sulfate surfactant, phosphate ester surfactant, carboxylate surfactant, mixtures thereof, or the like. In an embodiment, the anionic surfactant includes alkyl sulfonate, alkylaryl sulfonate, alkylated diphenyl oxide disulfonate, alkylated naphthalene sulfonate, alcohol alkoxylate carboxylate, sarcosinate, taurate, acyl amino acid, alkanoic ester, phosphate ester, sulfuric acid ester, salt or acid form thereof, or mixture thereof. The particular salts will be suitably selected depending upon the particular formulation and the needs therein.

Suitable anionic surfactants include sulfonic acids (and salts), such as isethionates (e.g. acyl isethionates), alkylaryl sulfonic acids and salts thereof, alkyl sulfonates, and the like.

Examples of suitable synthetic, water soluble anionic detergent compounds include the ammonium and substituted ammonium (such as mono-, di- and triethanolamine) and alkali metal (such as sodium, lithium and potassium) salts of the alkyl mononuclear aromatic sulfonates such as the alkyl benzene sulfonates containing from about 5 to about 18 carbon atoms in the alkyl group in a straight or branched chain, e.g., the salts of alkyl benzene sulfonates or of alkyl toluene, xylene, cumene and phenol sulfonates; alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, diamyl naphthalene sulfonate, and dinonyl naphthalene sulfonate and alkoxylated derivatives or their free acids. Suitable sulfonates include olefin sulfonates, such as long chain alkene sulfonates, long chain hydroxyalkane sulfonates or mixtures of alkenesulfonates and hydroxyalkane-sulfonates.

In certain embodiments, the present compositions including an anionic surfactant, such as a normal C8 sulfonate, can be non-foam or low foam compositions. Such compositions can be advantageous for applications such as clean in place, machine warewashing, destaining, and sanitizing, laundry washing, destaining, and sanitizing, etc.

For applications in which foaming is desirable, a foaming agent can be added as part of the present composition or separately. In a two-step offering, a foaming agent can be combined with a dilution of the non-foam or low foam composition to form a foaming use solution. In a one-step offering, the foaming agent can be incorporated into the concentrated composition. One suitable foaming agent is LAS acid. LAS acid can form a microemulsion in the present compositions. LAS acid can form a viscoelastic gel or liquid in the present compositions.

Anionic sulfate surfactants suitable for use in the present compositions include alkyl ether sulfates, alkyl sulfates, the linear and branched primary and secondary alkyl sulfates, alkyl ethoxysulfates, fatty oleyl glycerol sulfates, alkyl phenol ethylene oxide ether sulfates, the C₅-C₁₇ acyl-N-(C₁-C₄ alkyl) and —N—(C₁-C₂ hydroxyalkyl) glucamine sulfates, and sulfates of alkylpolysaccharides such as the sulfates of alkylpolyglucoside, and the like. Also included are the alkyl sulfates, alkyl poly(ethyleneoxy) ether sulfates and aromatic poly(ethyleneoxy) sulfates such as the sulfates or condensation products of ethylene oxide and nonyl phenol (usually having 1 to 6 oxyethylene groups per molecule).

Anionic carboxylate surfactants suitable for use in the present compositions include carboxylic acids (and salts), such as alkanoic acids (and alkanoates), ester carboxylic acids (e.g. alkyl succinates), ether carboxylic acids, and the like. Such carboxylates include alkyl ethoxy carboxylates, alkyl aryl ethoxy carboxylates, alkyl polyethoxy polycarboxylate surfactants and soaps (e.g. alkyl carboxyls). Secondary carboxylates useful in the present compositions include those which contain a carboxyl unit connected to a secondary carbon. The secondary carbon can be in a ring structure, e.g. as in p-octyl benzoic acid, or as in alkyl-substituted cyclohexyl carboxylates. The secondary carboxylate surfactants typically contain no ether linkages, no ester linkages and no hydroxyl groups. Further, they typically lack nitrogen atoms in the head-group (amphiphilic portion). Suitable secondary soap surfactants typically contain 11-13 total carbon atoms, although more carbons atoms (e.g., up to 16) can be present. Suitable carboxylates also include acylamino acids (and salts), such as acylgluamates, acyl peptides, sarcosinates (e.g. N-acyl sarcosinates), taurates (e.g. N-acyl taurates and fatty acid amides of methyl tauride), and the like.

Suitable anionic surfactants include alkyl or alkylaryl ethoxy carboxylates of Formula 3: R—O—(CH₂CH₂O)_(n)(CH₂)_(m)—CO₂X  (3) in which R is a C₈ to C₂₂ alkyl group or

in which R¹ is a C₄-C₁₆ alkyl group; n is an integer of 1-20; m is an integer of 1-3; and X is a counter ion, such as hydrogen, sodium, potassium, lithium, ammonium, or an amine salt such as monoethanolamine, diethanolamine or triethanolamine. In an embodiment, in Formula 3, n is an integer of 4 to 10 and m is 1. In an embodiment, in Formula 3, R is a C₈-C₁₆ alkyl group. In an embodiment, in Formula 3, R is a C₁₂-C₁₄ alkyl group, n is 4, and m is 1.

In an embodiment, in Formula 3, R is

and R¹ is a C₆-C₁₂ alkyl group. In an embodiment, in Formula 3, R¹ is a C₉ alkyl group, n is 10 and m is 1. Such alkyl and alkylaryl ethoxy carboxylates are commercially available. These ethoxy carboxylates are typically available as the acid forms, which can be readily converted to the anionic or salt form. Commercially available carboxylates include, Neodox 23-4, a C₁₂₋₁₃ alkyl polyethoxy (4) carboxylic acid (Shell Chemical), and Emcol CNP-110, a C₉ alkylaryl polyethoxy (10) carboxylic acid (Witco Chemical). Carboxylates are also available from Clariant, e.g. the product Sandopan® DTC, a C₁₃ alkyl polyethoxy (7) carboxylic acid. Amphoteric Surfactants

Amphoteric, or ampholytic, surfactants contain both a basic and an acidic hydrophilic group and an organic hydrophobic group. These ionic entities may be any of anionic or cationic groups described herein for other types of surfactants. A basic nitrogen and an acidic carboxylate group are the typical functional groups employed as the basic and acidic hydrophilic groups. In a few surfactants, sulfonate, sulfate, phosphonate or phosphate provide the negative charge.

Amphoteric surfactants can be broadly described as derivatives of aliphatic secondary and tertiary amines, in which the aliphatic radical may be straight chain or branched and wherein one of the aliphatic substituents contains from about 8 to 18 carbon atoms and one contains an anionic water solubilizing group, e.g., carboxy, sulfo, sulfato, phosphato, or phosphono. Amphoteric surfactants are subdivided into two major classes known to those of skill in the art and described in “Surfactant Encyclopedia” Cosmetics & Toiletries, Vol. 104 (2) 69-71 (1989). The first class includes acyl/dialkyl ethylenediamine derivatives (e.g. 2-alkyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline derivatives) and their salts. The second class includes N-alkylamino acids and their salts. Some amphoteric surfactants can be envisioned as fitting into both classes.

Amphoteric surfactants can be synthesized by methods known to those of skill in the art. For example, 2-alkyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline is synthesized by condensation and ring closure of a long chain carboxylic acid (or a derivative) with dialkyl ethylenediamine. Commercial amphoteric surfactants are derivatized by subsequent hydrolysis and ring-opening of the imidazoline ring by alkylation—for example with chloroacetic acid or ethyl acetate. During alkylation, one or two carboxy-alkyl groups react to form a tertiary amine and an ether linkage with differing alkylating agents yielding different tertiary amines.

Long chain imidazole derivatives having application in the present invention generally have the general formula:

wherein R is an acyclic hydrophobic group containing from about 8 to 18 carbon atoms and M is a cation to neutralize the charge of the anion, generally sodium. Commercially prominent imidazoline-derived amphoterics that can be employed in the present compositions include for example: Cocoamphopropionate, Cocoamphocarboxy-propionate, Cocoamphoglycinate, Cocoamphocarboxy-glycinate, Cocoamphopropyl-sulfonate, and Cocoamphocarboxy-propionic acid. Amphocarboxylic acids can be produced from fatty imidazolines in which the dicarboxylic acid functionality of the amphodicarboxylic acid is diacetic acid and/or dipropionic acid.

The carboxymethylated compounds (glycinates) described herein above frequently are called betaines. Betaines are a special class of amphoteric discussed herein below in the section entitled, Zwitterion Surfactants.

Long chain N-alkylamino acids are readily prepared by reaction RNH₂, in which R═C₈-C₁₈ straight or branched chain alkyl, fatty amines with halogenated carboxylic acids. Alkylation of the primary amino groups of an amino acid leads to secondary and tertiary amines. Alkyl substituents may have additional amino groups that provide more than one reactive nitrogen center. Most commercial N-alkylamine acids are alkyl derivatives of beta-alanine or beta-N(2-carboxyethyl) alanine. Examples of commercial N-alkylamino acid ampholytes having application in this invention include alkyl beta-amino dipropionates, RN(C₂H₄COOM)₂ and RNHC₂H₄COOM. In an embodiment, R can be an acyclic hydrophobic group containing from about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms, and M is a cation to neutralize the charge of the anion.

Suitable amphoteric surfactants include those derived from coconut products such as coconut oil or coconut fatty acid. Additional suitable coconut derived surfactants include as part of their structure an ethylenediamine moiety, an alkanolamide moiety, an amino acid moiety, e.g., glycine, or a combination thereof; and an aliphatic substituent of from about 8 to 18 (e.g., 12) carbon atoms. Such a surfactant can also be considered an alkyl amphodicarboxylic acid. These amphoteric surfactants can include chemical structures represented as: C₁₋₂-alkyl-C(O)—NH—CH₂—CH₂—N⁺(CH₂—CH₂—CO₂Na)₂—CH₂—CH₂—OH or C₁₂-alkyl-C(O)—N(H)—CH₂—CH₂—N⁺(CH₂—CO₂Na)₂—CH₂—CH₂—OH. Disodium cocoampho dipropionate is one suitable amphoteric surfactant and is commercially available under the tradename Miranol™ FBS from Rhodia Inc., Cranbury, N.J. Another suitable coconut derived amphoteric surfactant with the chemical name disodium cocoampho diacetate is sold under the tradename Mirataine™ JCHA, also from Rhodia Inc., Cranbury, N.J.

A typical listing of amphoteric classes, and species of these surfactants, is given in U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,678 issued to Laughlin and Heuring on Dec. 30, 1975. Further examples are given in “Surface Active Agents and Detergents” (Vol. I and II by Schwartz, Perry and Berch).

Zwitterionic Surfactants

Zwitterionic surfactants can be thought of as a subset of the amphoteric surfactants and can include an anionic charge. Zwitterionic surfactants can be broadly described as derivatives of secondary and tertiary amines, derivatives of heterocyclic secondary and tertiary amines, or derivatives of quaternary ammonium, quaternary phosphonium or tertiary sulfonium compounds. Typically, a zwitterionic surfactant includes a positive charged quaternary ammonium or, in some cases, a sulfonium or phosphonium ion; a negative charged carboxyl group; and an alkyl group. Zwitterionics generally contain cationic and anionic groups which ionize to a nearly equal degree in the isoelectric region of the molecule and which can develop strong “inner-salt” attraction between positive-negative charge centers. Examples of such zwitterionic synthetic surfactants include derivatives of aliphatic quaternary ammonium, phosphonium, and sulfonium compounds, in which the aliphatic radicals can be straight chain or branched, and wherein one of the aliphatic substituents contains from 8 to 18 carbon atoms and one contains an anionic water solubilizing group, e.g., carboxy, sulfonate, sulfate, phosphate, or phosphonate. Betaine and sultaine surfactants are exemplary zwitterionic surfactants for use herein.

A general formula for these compounds is:

wherein R¹ contains an alkyl, alkenyl, or hydroxyalkyl radical of from 8 to 18 carbon atoms having from 0 to 10 ethylene oxide moieties and from 0 to 1 glyceryl moiety; Y is selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur atoms; R² is an alkyl or monohydroxy alkyl group containing 1 to 3 carbon atoms; x is 1 when Y is a sulfur atom and 2 when Y is a nitrogen or phosphorus atom, R³ is an alkylene or hydroxy alkylene or hydroxy alkylene of from 1 to 4 carbon atoms and Z is a radical selected from the group consisting of carboxylate, sulfonate, sulfate, phosphonate, and phosphate groups.

Examples of zwitterionic surfactants having the structures listed above include: 4-[N,N-di(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-octadecylammonio]-butane-1-carboxylate; 5-[S-3-hydroxypropyl-S-hexadecylsulfonio]-3-hydroxypentane-1-sulfate; 3-[P,P-diethyl-P-3,6,9-trioxatetracosanephosphonio]-2-hydroxypropane-1-phosphate; 3-[N,N-dipropyl-N-3-dodecoxy-2-hydroxypropyl-ammonio]-propane-1-phosphonate; 3-(N,N-dimethyl-N-hexadecylammonio)-propane-1-sulfonate; 3-(N,N-dimethyl-N-hexadecylammonio)-2-hydroxy-propane-1-sulfonate; 4-[N,N-di(2(2-hydroxyethyl)-N(2-hydroxydodecyl)ammonio]-butane-1-carboxylate; 3-[S-ethyl-S-(3-dodecoxy-2-hydroxypropyl)sulfonio]-propane-1-phosphate; 3-[P,P-dimethyl-P-dodecylphosphonio]-propane-1-phosphonate; and S[N,N-di(3-hydroxypropyl)-N-hexadecylammonio]-2-hydroxy-pentane-1-sulfate. The alkyl groups contained in said detergent surfactants can be straight or branched and saturated or unsaturated.

The zwitterionic surfactant suitable for use in the present compositions includes a betaine of the general structure:

These surfactant betaines typically do not exhibit strong cationic or anionic characters at pH extremes nor do they show reduced water solubility in their isoelectric range. Unlike “external” quaternary ammonium salts, betaines are compatible with anionics. Examples of suitable betaines include coconut acylamidopropyldimethyl betaine; hexadecyl dimethyl betaine; C₁₂₋₁₄ acylamidopropylbetaine; C₈₋₁₄ acylamidohexyldiethyl betaine; 4-C₁₄₋₁₆ acylmethylamidodiethylammonio-1-carboxybutane; C₁₆₋₁₈ acylamidodimethylbetaine; C₁₂₋₁₆ acylamidopentanediethylbetaine; and C₁₂₋₁₆ acylmethylamidodimethylbetaine.

Sultaines useful in the present invention include those compounds having the formula (R(R¹)₂ N⁺R²SO³⁻, in which R is a C₆-C₁₈ hydrocarbyl group, each R¹ is typically independently C₁-C₃ alkyl, e.g. methyl, and R² is a C₁-C₆ hydrocarbyl group, e.g. a C₁-C₃ alkylene or hydroxyalkylene group.

A typical listing of zwitterionic classes, and species of these surfactants, is given in U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,678 issued to Laughlin and Heuring on Dec. 30, 1975. Further examples are given in “Surface Active Agents and Detergents” (Vol. I and II by Schwartz, Perry and Berch).

In an embodiment, the composition of the present invention includes a betaine. For example, the composition can include cocoamidopropyl betaine.

Embodiments of Compositions

Some examples of representative constituent concentrations for embodiments of the present compositions can be found in Tables A-C, in which the values are given in wt-% of the ingredients in reference to the total composition weight. In certain embodiments, the proportions and amounts in Tables A-C can be modified by “about”. TABLE A Ingredient wt- % wt- % wt- % wt- % medium chain 0.3-7   0.5-5   0.5-4   1-3 peroxycarboxylic acid medium chain  1-10 2-8 2-6 2.5-5   carboxylic acid solubilizer  1-80  2-70  3-65  5-60 carrier  0-98  5-90 10-80 20-70

TABLE B Ingredient wt- % wt- % wt- % wt- % medium chain 0.3-7   0.5-5   0.5-4   1-3 peroxycarboxylic acid medium chain  1-10 2-8 3-6 3-5 carboxylic acid solubilizer  1-80  5-70 10-65 20-60 carrier  0-98 0.2-60   5-20 20-40

TABLE C Ingredient wt- % wt- % wt- % wt- % medium chain 0.3-7   0.5-5   0.5-4   1-2 peroxycarboxylic acid medium chain  1-10 1-8 1.5-6   2-4 carboxylic acid solubilizer  1-25  2-20  3-15  4-10 carrier  5-97 10-90 15-70 30-75

Some examples of representative constituent concentrations for additional embodiments of the present compositions can be found in Tables D-F, in which the values are given in wt-% of the ingredients in reference to the total composition weight. In certain embodiments, the proportions and amounts in Tables D-F can be modified by “about”. TABLE D Ingredient wt- % wt- % wt- % wt- % medium chain 0.3-7   0.5-5   0.5-4   1-3 peroxycarboxylic acid medium chain  1-10 2-8 2-6 2.5-5   carboxylic acid solubilizer  1-80  2-70  3-65  5-60 carrier  0-98  5-90 10-80 20-70 oxidizing agent  2-30  2-25  4-20  6-10 acidulant  1-50  2-40  3-40  5-40 stabilizing agent  1-50  1-10 1-5 1-3

TABLE E Ingredient wt- % wt- % wt- % wt- % medium chain 0.3-7   0.5-5   0.5-4   1-3 peroxycarboxylic acid medium chain  1-10 2-8 3-6 3-5 carboxylic acid solubilizer  1-80  5-70 10-65 20-60 carrier  0-98 0.2-60   5-20 20-40 oxidizing agent  2-30  2-25  4-20  6-10 acidulant  1-50  2-40  3-40  5-40 stabilizing agent  1-50  1-10 1-5 1-3

TABLE F Ingredient wt- % wt- % wt- % wt- % medium chain 0.3-7   0.5-5   0.5-4   1-2 peroxycarboxylic acid medium chain  1-10 1-8 1.5-6   2-4 carboxylic acid solubilizer  1-25  2-20  3-15  4-10 carrier  5-97 10-90 15-70 30-75 oxidizing agent  2-30  2-25  4-20  6-10 acidulant  1-50  2-40  3-35  5-30 stabilizing agent  1-50  1-15 1-5 1-3

In an embodiment, the compositions of the present invention include only ingredients that can be employed in food products or in food wash, handling, or processing, for example, according to government (e.g. FDA or USDA) rules and regulations, 21 CFR §170-178. In an embodiment, the compositions of the present invention can include only ingredients at the concentrations approved for incidental food contact by the USEPA, 40 CFR § 180.940.

The present compositions can take the form of a liquid, solid, gel, paste, unit dose, gel pack, or the like. The present compositions can be supplied in any of a variety of containers or media, such as in a 2 compartment dispenser or as a pre-moistened wipe, towelette, or sponge.

Carrier

The composition of the invention can also include a carrier. The carrier provides a medium which dissolves, suspends, or carries the other components of the composition. For example, the carrier can provide a medium for solubilization, suspension, or production of peroxycarboxylic acid and for forming an equilibrium mixture. The carrier can also function to deliver and wet the antimicrobial composition of the invention on an object. To this end, the carrier can contain any component or components that can facilitate these functions.

Generally, the carrier includes primarily water which can promote solubility and work as a medium for reaction and equilibrium. The carrier can include or be primarily an organic solvent, such as simple alkyl alcohols, e.g., ethanol, isopropanol, n-propanol, and the like. Polyols are also useful carriers, including glycerol, sorbitol, and the like.

Suitable carriers include glycol ethers. Suitable glycol ethers include diethylene glycol n-butyl ether, diethylene glycol n-propyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol t-butyl ether, dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol ethyl ether, dipropylene glycol propyl ether, dipropylene glycol tert-butyl ether, ethylene glycol butyl ether, ethylene glycol propyl ether, ethylene glycol ethyl ether, ethylene glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol methyl ether acetate, propylene glycol n-butyl ether, propylene glycol ethyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycol n-propyl ether, tripropylene glycol methyl ether and tripropylene glycol n-butyl ether, ethylene glycol phenyl ether (commercially available as DOWANOL EPH™ from Dow Chemical Co.), propylene glycol phenyl ether (commercially available as DOWANOL PPH™ from Dow Chemical Co.), and the like, or mixtures thereof. Additional suitable commercially available glycol ethers (all of which are available from Union Carbide Corp.) include Butoxyethyl PROPASOL™, Butyl CARBITOL™ acetate, Butyl CARBITOL™, Butyl CELLOSOLVE™ acetate, Butyl CELLOSOLVE™, Butyl DIPROPASOL™, Butyl PROPASOL™, CARBITOL™ PM-600, CARBITOL™ Low Gravity, CELLOSOLVE™ acetate, CELLOSOLVE™, Ester EEP™, FILMER IBT™, Hexyl CARBITOL™, Hexyl CELLOSOLVE™, Methyl CARBITOL™, Methyl CELLOSOLVE™acetate, Methyl CELLOSOLVE™, Methyl DIPROPASOL™, Methyl PROPASOL™ acetate, Methyl PROPASOL™, Propyl CARBITOL™, Propyl CELLOSOLVE™, Propyl DIPROPASOL™ and Propyl PROPASOL™.

Generally, the carrier makes up a large portion of the composition of the invention and may be the balance of the composition apart from the active antimicrobial components, solubilizer, oxidizing agent, adjuvants, and the like. Here again, the carrier concentration and type will depend upon the nature of the composition as a whole, the environmental storage, and method of application including concentration of the medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, among other factors. Notably the carrier should be chosen and used at a concentration which does not inhibit the antimicrobial efficacy of the medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid in the composition of the invention.

In certain embodiments, the present composition includes about 0 to about 98 wt-% carrier, about 0.001 to about 99.99 wt-% carrier, about 0.2 to about 60 wt-% carrier, about 1 to about 98 wt-% carrier, about 5 to about 99.99 wt-% carrier, about 5 to about 97 wt-% carrier, about 5 to about 90 wt-% carrier, about 5 to about 70 wt-% carrier, about 5 to about 20 wt-% carrier, about 10 to about 90 wt-% carrier, about 10 to about 80 wt-% carrier, about 10 to about 50 wt-% carrier, about 10 to about 20 wt-% carrier, about 15 to about 70 wt-% carrier, about 15 to about 80 wt-% carrier, about 20 to about 70 wt-% carrier, about 20 to about 50 wt-% carrier, about 20 to about 40 wt-% carrier, about 20 to about 30 wt-% carrier, about 30 to about 75 wt-% carrier, about 30 to about 70 wt-% carrier, about 40 to about 99.99 wt-% carrier, about 40 to about 90 wt-% carrier, or about 60 to about 70 wt-% carrier. The composition can include any of these ranges or amounts not modified by about.

Oxidizing Agent

The present compositions and methods can include any of a variety of oxidizing agents. The oxidizing agent can be used for maintaining or generating peroxycarboxylic acids.

Examples of inorganic oxidizing agents include the following types of compounds or sources of these compounds, or alkali metal salts including these types of compounds, or forming an adduct therewith:

-   -   hydrogen peroxide;     -   group 1 (IA) oxidizing agents, for example lithium peroxide,         sodium peroxide, and the like;     -   group 2 (IIA) oxidizing agents, for example magnesium peroxide,         calcium peroxide, strontium peroxide, barium peroxide, and the         like;     -   group 12 (IIB) oxidizing agents, for example zinc peroxide, and         the like;     -   group 13 (IIIA) oxidizing agents, for example boron compounds,         such as perborates, for example sodium perborate hexahydrate of         the formula Na₂[Br₂(O₂)₂(OH)₄].6H₂O (also called sodium         perborate tetrahydrate and formerly written as NaBO₃.4H₂O);         sodium peroxyborate tetrahydrate of the formula         Na₂Br₂(O₂)₂[(OH)₄].4H₂O (also called sodium perborate         trihydrate, and formerly written as NaBO₃.3H₂O); sodium         peroxyborate of the formula Na₂[B₂(O₂)₂(OH)₄] (also called         sodium perborate monohydrate and formerly written as NaBO₃.H₂O);         and the like; in an embodiment, perborate;     -   group 14 (IVA) oxidizing agents, for example persilicates and         peroxycarbonates, which are also called percarbonates, such as         persilicates or peroxycarbonates of alkali metals; and the like;         in an embodiment, percarbonate; in an embodiment, persilicate;     -   group 15 (VA) oxidizing agents, for example peroxynitrous acid         and its salts; peroxyphosphoric acids and their salts, for         example, perphosphates; and the like; in an embodiment,         perphosphate;     -   group 16 (VIA) oxidizing agents, for example peroxysulfuric         acids and their salts, such as peroxymonosulfuric and         peroxydisulfuric acids, and their salts, such as persulfates,         for example, sodium persulfate; and the like; in an embodiment,         persulfate;     -   group VIIa oxidizing agents such as sodium periodate, potassium         perchlorate and the like.

Other active inorganic oxygen compounds can include transition metal peroxides; and other such peroxygen compounds, and mixtures thereof.

In an embodiment, the compositions and methods of the present invention employ one or more of the inorganic oxidizing agents listed above. Suitable inorganic oxidizing agents include ozone, hydrogen peroxide, hydrogen peroxide adduct, group IIIA oxidizing agent, group VIA oxidizing agent, group VA oxidizing agent, group VIIA oxidizing agent, or mixtures thereof. Suitable examples of such inorganic oxidizing agents include percarbonate, perborate, persulfate, perphosphate, persilicate, or mixtures thereof.

Hydrogen peroxide presents one suitable example of an inorganic oxidizing agent. Hydrogen peroxide can be provided as a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water, e.g., as liquid hydrogen peroxide in an aqueous solution. Hydrogen peroxide is commercially available at concentrations of 35%, 70%, and 90% in water. For safety, the 35% is commonly used. The present compositions can include, for example, about 2 to about 30 wt-% or about 5 to about 20 wt-% hydrogen peroxide.

In an embodiment, the inorganic oxidizing agent includes hydrogen peroxide adduct. For example, the inorganic oxidizing agent can include hydrogen peroxide, hydrogen peroxide adduct, or mixtures thereof. Any of a variety of hydrogen peroxide adducts are suitable for use in the present compositions and methods. For example, suitable hydrogen peroxide adducts include percarbonate salt, urea peroxide, peracetyl borate, an adduct of H₂O₂ and polyvinyl pyrrolidone, sodium percarbonate, potassium percarbonate, mixtures thereof, or the like. Suitable hydrogen peroxide adducts include percarbonate salt, urea peroxide, peracetyl borate, an adduct of H₂O₂ and polyvinyl pyrrolidone, or mixtures thereof. Suitable hydrogen peroxide adducts include sodium percarbonate, potassium percarbonate, or mixtures thereof, for example sodium percarbonate.

In an embodiment, the present compositions and methods can include hydrogen peroxide as oxidizing agent. Hydrogen peroxide in combination with the percarboxylic acid can provide certain antimicrobial action against microorganisms. Additionally, hydrogen peroxide can provide an effervescent action which can irrigate any surface to which it is applied. Hydrogen peroxide can work with a mechanical flushing action once applied which further cleans the surface of an object. An additional advantage of hydrogen peroxide is the food compatibility of this composition upon use and decomposition.

In certain embodiments, the present composition includes about 0.001 to about 30 wt-% oxidizing agent, about 0.001 to about 10 wt-% oxidizing agent, 0.002 to about 10 wt-% oxidizing agent, about 2 to about 30 wt-% oxidizing agent, about 2 to about 25 wt-% oxidizing agent, about 2 to about 20 wt-% oxidizing agent, about 4 to about 20 wt-% oxidizing agent, about 5 to about 10 wt-% oxidizing agent, or about 6 to about 10 wt-% oxidizing agent. The composition can include any of these ranges or amounts not modified by about.

Acidulant

In an embodiment, the present composition can include an acidulant. The acidulant can act as a catalyst for conversion of carboxylic acid to peroxycarboxylic acid. The acidulant can be effective to form a concentrate composition with pH of about 1 or less. The acidulant can be effective to form a use composition with pH of about 5, about 5 or less, about 4, about 4 or less, about 3, about 3 or less, about 2, about 2 or less, or the like. In an embodiment, the acidulant includes an inorganic acid. Suitable inorganic acids include sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, methane sulfonic acid, ethane sulfonic acid, propane sulfonic acid, butane sulfonic acid, xylene sulfonic acid, benzene sulfonic acid, mixtures thereof, or the like.

In an embodiment, the acidulant includes a carboxylic acid with pK_(a) less than 4. Suitable carboxylic acids with pK_(a) less than 4 include hydroxyacetic acid, hydroxypropionic acid, other hydroxycarboxylic acids, mixtures thereof, or the like. Such an acidulant is present at a concentration where it does not act as a solubilizer.

In certain embodiments, the present composition includes about 0.001 to about 50 wt-% acidulant, about 0.001 to about 30 wt-% acidulant, about 1 to about 50 wt-% acidulant, about 1 to about 30 wt-% acidulant, about 2 to about 40 wt-% acidulant, about 2 to about 10 wt-% acidulant, about 3 to about 40 wt-% acidulant, about 5 to about 40 wt-% acidulant, about 5 to about 25 wt-% acidulant, about 10 to about 40 wt-% acidulant, about 10 to about 30 wt-% acidulant, about 15 to about 35 wt-% acidulant, about 15 to about 30 wt-% acidulant, or about 40 to about 60 wt-% acidulant. The composition can include any of these ranges or amounts not modified by about.

Stabilizing Agent

One or more stabilizing agents can be added to the composition of the invention, for example, to stabilize the peracid and hydrogen peroxide and prevent the premature oxidation of this constituent within the composition of the invention.

Suitable stabilizing agents include chelating agents or sequestrants. Suitable sequestrants include organic chelating compounds that sequester metal ions in solution, particularly transition metal ions. Such sequestrants include organic amino- or hydroxy-polyphosphonic acid complexing agents (either in acid or soluble salt forms), carboxylic acids (e.g., polymeric polycarboxylate), hydroxycarboxylic acids, or aminocarboxylic acids.

The sequestrant can be or include phosphonic acid or phosphonate salt. Suitable phosphonic acids and phosphonate salts include 1-hydroxy ethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid (CH₃C(PO₃H₂)₂OH) (HEDP); ethylenediamine tetrakis methylenephosphonic acid (EDTMP); diethylenetriamine pentakis methylenephosphonic acid (DTPMP); cyclohexane-1,2-tetramethylene phosphonic acid; amino[tri(methylene phosphonic acid)]; (ethylene diamine[tetra methylene-phosphonic acid)]; 2-phosphene butane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid; or salts thereof, such as the alkali metal salts, ammonium salts, or alkyloyl amine salts, such as mono, di, or tetra-ethanolamine salts; or mixtures thereof.

Suitable organic phosphonates include HEDP.

Commercially available food additive chelating agents include phosphonates sold under the trade name DEQUEST® including, for example, 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid, available from Monsanto Industrial Chemicals Co., St. Louis, Mo., as DEQUEST® 2010; amino(tri(methylenephosphonic acid)), (N[CH₂PO₃H₂]₃), available from Monsanto as DEQUEST® 2000; ethylenediamine[tetra(methylenephosphonic acid)] available from Monsanto as DEQUEST® 2041; and 2-phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid available from Mobay Chemical Corporation, Inorganic Chemicals Division, Pittsburgh, Pa., as Bayhibit AM.

The sequestrant can be or include aminocarboxylic acid type sequestrant. Suitable aminocarboxylic acid type sequestrants include the acids or alkali metal salts thereof, e.g., amino acetates and salts thereof. Suitable aminocarboxylates include N-hydroxyethylaminodiacetic acid; hydroxyethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA); ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA); N-hydroxyethyl-ethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA); diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA); and alanine-N,N-diacetic acid; and the like; and mixtures thereof.

The sequestrant can be or include a polycarboxylate. Suitable polycarboxylates include, for example, polyacrylic acid, maleic/olefin copolymer, acrylic/maleic copolymer, polymethacrylic acid, acrylic acid-methacrylic acid copolymers, hydrolyzed polyacrylamide, hydrolyzed polymethacrylamide, hydrolyzed polyamide-methacrylamide copolymers, hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile, hydrolyzed polymethacrylonitrile, hydrolyzed acrylonitrile-methacrylonitrile copolymers, polymaleic acid, polyfumaric acid, copolymers of acrylic and itaconic acid, phosphino polycarboxylate, acid or salt forms thereof, mixtures thereof, and the like.

In certain embodiments, the present composition includes about 0.5 to about 50 wt-% sequestrant, about 1 to about 50 wt-% sequestrant, about 1 to about 30 wt-% sequestrant, about 1 to about 15 wt-% sequestrant, about 1 to about 5 wt-% sequestrant, about 1 to about 4 wt-% sequestrant, about 2 to about 10 wt-% sequestrant, about 2 to about 5 wt-% sequestrant, or about 5 to about 15 wt-% sequestrant. The composition can include any of these ranges or amounts not modified by about.

In certain embodiments, the present composition includes about 0.001 to about 50 wt-% stabilizing agent, about 0.001 to about 5 wt-% stabilizing agent, about 0.5 to about 50 wt-% stabilizing agent, about 1 to about 50 wt-% stabilizing agent, about 1 to about 30 wt-% stabilizing agent, about 1 to about 10 wt-% stabilizing agent, about 1 to about 5 wt-% stabilizing agent, about 1 to about 3 wt-% stabilizing agent, about 2 to about 10 wt-% stabilizing agent, about 2 to about 5 wt-% stabilizing agent, or about 5 to about 15 wt-% stabilizing agent. The composition can include any of these ranges or amounts not modified by about.

Adjuvants

The antimicrobial composition of the invention can also include any number of adjuvants. Specifically, the composition of the invention can include antimicrobial solvent, antimicrobial agent, wetting agent, defoaming agent, thickener, a surfactant, foaming agent, solidification agent, aesthetic enhancing agent (i.e., colorant (e.g., pigment), odorant, or perfume), among any number of constituents which can be added to the composition. Such adjuvants can be preformulated with the antimicrobial composition of the invention or added to the system simultaneously, or even after, the addition of the antimicrobial composition. The composition of the invention can also contain any number of other constituents as necessitated by the application, which are known and which can facilitate the activity of the present invention.

Antimicrobial Solvent

Any of a variety of solvents can be useful as antimicrobial solvents in the present compositions. Antimicrobial solvent can be added to use compositions before use. Suitable antimicrobial solvents include acetamidophenol; acetanilide; acetophenone; 2-acetyl-1-methylpyrrole; benzyl acetate; benzyl alcohol; benzyl benzoate; benzyloxyethanol; essential oils (e.g., benzaldehyde, pinenes, terpineols, terpinenes, carvone, cinnamealdehyde, borneol and its esters, citrals, ionenes, jasmine oil, limonene, dipentene, linalool and its esters); diester dicarboxylates (e.g., dibasic esters) such as dimethyl adipate, dimethyl succinate, dimethyl glutarate (including products available under the trade designations DBE, DBE-3, DBE-4, DBE-5, DBE-6, DBE-9, DBE-IB, and DBE-ME from DuPont Nylon), dimethyl malonate, diethyl adipate, diethyl succinate, diethyl glutarate, dibutyl succinate, and dibutyl glutarate; dimethyl sebacate, dimethyl pimelate, dimethyl suberate; dialkyl carbonates such as dimethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, dipropyl carbonate, diisopropyl carbonate, and dibutyl carbonate; organo-nitriles such as acetonitrile and benzonitrile; and phthalate esters such as dibutyl phthalate, diethylhexyl phthalate, and diethyl phthalate. Mixtures of antimicrobial solvents can be used if desired.

The antimicrobial solvent can be selected based upon the characteristics of the surface and microbes to which the antimicrobial composition will be applied and upon the nature of any coating, soil or other material that will be contacted by the antimicrobial composition and optionally removed from the surface. Polar solvents, and solvents that are capable of hydrogen bonding typically will perform well on a variety of surfaces and microbes and thus, for such applications, can be selected. In certain applications, the antimicrobial solvent can be selected for a high flashpoint (e.g., greater than about 30° C., greater than about 50° C., or greater than about 100° C.), low odor, and low human and animal toxicity.

In an embodiment, the antimicrobial solvent is compatible as an indirect or direct food additive or substance; especially those described in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 21—Food and Drugs, parts 170 to 186. The compositions of the invention should contain sufficient antimicrobial solvent to provide the desired rate and type of microbial reduction.

The present composition can include an effective amount of antimicrobial solvent, such as about 0.01 wt-% to about 60 wt-% antimicrobial solvent, about 0.05 wt-% to about 15 wt-% antimicrobial solvent, or about 0.08 wt-% to about 5 wt-% antimicrobial solvent.

Additional Antimicrobial Agent

The antimicrobial compositions of the invention can contain an additional antimicrobial agent. Additional antimicrobial agent can be added to use compositions before use. Suitable antimicrobial agents include carboxylic esters (e.g., p-hydroxy alkyl benzoates and alkyl cinnamates), sulfonic acids (e.g., dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid), iodo-compounds or active halogen compounds (e.g., elemental halogens, halogen oxides (e.g., NaOCl, HOCl, HOBr, ClO₂), iodine, interhalides (e.g., iodine monochloride, iodine dichloride, iodine trichloride, iodine tetrachloride, bromine chloride, iodine monobromide, or iodine dibromide), polyhalides, hypochlorite salts, hypochlorous acid, hypobromite salts, hypobromous acid, chloro- and bromo-hydantoins, chlorine dioxide, and sodium chlorite), organic peroxides including benzoyl peroxide, alkyl benzoyl peroxides, ozone, singlet oxygen generators, and mixtures thereof, phenolic derivatives (e.g., o-phenyl phenol, o-benzyl-p-chlorophenol, tert-amyl phenol and C₁-C₆ alkyl hydroxy benzoates), quaternary ammonium compounds (e.g., alkyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride, dialkyldimethyl ammonium chloride and mixtures thereof), and mixtures of such antimicrobial agents, in an amount sufficient to provide the desired degree of microbial protection.

The present composition can include an effective amount of antimicrobial agent, such as about 0.001 wt-% to about 60 wt-% antimicrobial agent, about 0.01 wt-% to about 15 wt-% antimicrobial agent, or about 0.08 wt-% to about 2.5 wt-% antimicrobial agent.

Wetting or Defoaming Agents

Also useful in the composition of the invention are wetting and defoaming agents. Wetting agents function to increase the surface contact or penetration activity of the antimicrobial composition of the invention. Wetting agents which can be used in the composition of the invention include any of those constituents known within the art to raise the surface activity of the composition of the invention.

Generally, defoamers which can be used in accordance with the invention include silica and silicones; aliphatic acids or esters; alcohols; sulfates or sulfonates; amines or amides; halogenated compounds such as fluorochlorohydrocarbons; vegetable oils, waxes, mineral oils as well as their sulfated derivatives; fatty acid soaps such as alkali, alkaline earth metal soaps; and phosphates and phosphate esters such as alkyl and alkaline diphosphates, and tributyl phosphates among others; and mixtures thereof.

In an embodiment, the present compositions can include antifoaming agents or defoamers which are of food grade quality given the application of the method of the invention. To this end, one of the more effective antifoaming agents includes silicones. Silicones such as dimethyl silicone, glycol polysiloxane, methylphenol polysiloxane, trialkyl or tetralkyl silanes, hydrophobic silica defoamers and mixtures thereof can all be used in defoaming applications. Commercial defoamers commonly available include silicones such as Ardefoam® from Armour Industrial Chemical Company which is a silicone bound in an organic emulsion; Foam Kill® or Kresseo® available from Krusable Chemical Company which are silicone and non-silicone type defoamers as well as silicone esters; and Anti-Foam A® and DC-200 from Dow Corning Corporation which are both food grade type silicones among others. These defoamers can be present at a concentration range from about 0.01 wt-% to 5 wt-%, from about 0.01 wt-% to 2 wt-%, or from about 0.01 wt-% to about 1 wt-%.

Thickening or Gelling Agents

The present compositions can include any of a variety of known thickeners. Suitable thickeners include natural gums such as xanthan gum, guar gum, or other gums from plant mucilage; polysaccharide based thickeners, such as alginates, starches, and cellulosic polymers (e.g., carboxymethyl cellulose); polyacrylates thickeners; and hydrocolloid thickeners, such as pectin. In an embodiment, the thickener does not leave contaminating residue on the surface of an object. For example, the thickeners or gelling agents can be compatible with food or other sensitive products in contact areas. Generally, the concentration of thickener employed in the present compositions or methods will be dictated by the desired viscosity within the final composition. However, as a general guideline, the viscosity of thickener within the present composition ranges from about 0.1 wt-% to about 1.5 wt-%, from about 0.1 wt-% to about 1.0 wt-%, or from about 0.1 wt-% to about 0.5 wt-%.

Solidification Agent

The present compositions can include a solidification agent, which can participate in maintaining the compositions in a solid form. Suitable solidification agents include a solid polyethylene glycol (PEG), a solid EO/PO block copolymer, and the like; an amide, such as stearic monoethanolamide, lauric diethanolamide, an alkylamide, or the like; starches that have been made water-soluble through an acid or alkaline treatment process; celluloses that have been made water-soluble; an inorganic agent, or the like; poly(maleic anhydride/methyl vinyl ether); polymethacrylic acid; other generally functional or inert materials with high melting points; and the like.

In certain embodiments, the solidification agent includes solid PEG, for example PEG 1500 up to PEG 20,000. In certain embodiments, the PEG includes PEG 1450, PEG 3350, PEG 4500, PEG 8000, PEG 20,000, and the like. Additional suitable solidification agents include EO/PO block copolymers such as those sold under the tradenames Pluronic 108, Pluronic F68; amides such as lauric diethanolamide or cocodiethylene amide; and the like. In certain embodiments, the solidification agent includes a combination of solidification agents, such as combination of PEG and an EO/PO block copolymer (such as a Pluronic) and combination of PEG and an amide (such as lauric diethanolamide amide or stearic monoethanol amide).

Additional Embodiments of the Medium Chain Peroxycarboxylic Acid Compositions

The present invention relates to compositions including medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, methods for making these compositions, and methods for reducing the population of a microorganism. In certain embodiments, the compositions can include advantageously high levels of the medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, can be readily made, and/or can exhibit reduced odor.

In an embodiment, the present compositions can include medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, medium chain carboxylic acid, carrier, and solubilizer. In certain embodiments, the present compositions include about 2 or more parts of medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid for each 7 parts of medium chain carboxylic acid; about 2 or more parts of medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid for each 5 parts of medium chain carboxylic acid; about 2 or more parts of medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid for each 4 parts of medium chain carboxylic acid; or about 2 parts of medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid for each 3 parts of medium chain carboxylic acid.

In an embodiment, the solubilizer includes solvent, surfactant, or mixture thereof. In an embodiment, the surfactant solubilizer includes a microemulsion forming surfactant, e.g., an anionic surfactant. In an embodiment, the composition includes a microemulsion. In an embodiment, the solubilizer includes polyalkylene oxide, capped polyalkylene oxide, nonionic surfactant, anionic surfactant, or mixture thereof. In an embodiment, the solvent solubilizer includes polyalkylene oxide, capped polyalkylene oxide, nonionic surfactant, or mixture thereof.

In an embodiment, the present compositions include no, only insignificant, or relatively small amounts of short chain peroxycarboxylic acid, short chain carboxylic acid, or mixture thereof. For example, in an embodiment, the composition can be substantially free of added short chain carboxylic acid, short chain peroxycarboxylic acid, or mixture thereof. For example, in an embodiment, the composition can include short chain carboxylic acid, short chain peroxycarboxylic acid, or mixture thereof at a level insufficient to solubilize medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid. For example, in an embodiment, the composition can include short chain carboxylic acid, short chain peroxycarboxylic acid, or mixture thereof at a level insufficient to cause objectionable odor. For example, in an embodiment, the composition can include about 1 or more parts of medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid for each 8 parts of short chain carboxylic acid, short chain peroxycarboxylic acid, or mixture thereof.

In an embodiment, the composition also includes oxidizing agent, inorganic acid, stabilizing agent, another adjuvant or additive, or mixture thereof.

In an embodiment, the present invention includes a method of making a medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition. The method can include reacting medium chain carboxylic acid and oxidizing agent in the presence of carrier, solubilizer, acidulant, stabilizing agent, or mixture thereof. The method can form advantageously high levels of medium chain peroxycarboxylic acids in advantageously short times. For example, in an embodiment, the present method includes converting 20% or more of the medium chain carboxylic acid to medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid in about 24 or fewer hours. For example, in an embodiment, the present method includes converting about 25% or more of the medium chain carboxylic acid to medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid in about 24 or fewer hours. For example, in an embodiment, the present method includes converting about 30% or more of the medium chain carboxylic acid to medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid in about 24 or fewer hours. For example, in an embodiment, the present method includes converting about 35% or more of the medium chain carboxylic acid to medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid in about 24 or fewer hours. For example, in an embodiment, the present method includes converting about 40% of the medium chain carboxylic acid to medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid in about 24 or fewer hours.

In an embodiment, the present invention includes a method of using a medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition. The method can include contacting an object with the present composition (e.g., a use composition) and can result in reducing the population of one or more microorganisms on the object.

Use Compositions

The present compositions include concentrate compositions and use compositions. For example, a concentrate composition can be diluted, for example with water, to form a use composition. In an embodiment, a concentrate composition can be diluted to a use solution before to application to an object. For reasons of economics, the concentrate can be marketed and an end user can dilute the concentrate with water or an aqueous diluent to a use solution.

The level of active components in the concentrate composition is dependent on the intended dilution factor and the desired activity of the medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid compound. Generally, a dilution of about 1 fluid ounce to about 20 gallons of water to about 5 fluid ounces to about 1 gallon of water is used for aqueous antimicrobial compositions. Higher use dilutions can be employed if elevated use temperature (greater than 25° C.) or extended exposure time (greater than 30 seconds) can be employed. In the typical use locus, the concentrate is diluted with a major proportion of water using commonly available tap or service water mixing the materials at a dilution ratio of about 3 to about 20 ounces of concentrate per 100 gallons of water.

For example, a use composition can include about 0.01 to about 4 wt-% of a concentrate composition and about 96 to about 99.99 wt-% diluent; about 0.5 to about 4 wt-% of a concentrate composition and about 96 to about 99.5 wt-% diluent; about 0.5, about 1, about 1.5, about 2, about 2.5, about 3, about 3.5, or about 4 wt-% of a concentrate composition; about 0.01 to about 0.1 wt-% of a concentrate composition; or about 0.01, about 0.02, about 0.03, about 0.04, about 0.05, about 0.06, about 0.07, about 0.08, about 0.09, or about 0.1 wt-% of a concentrate composition. Amounts of an ingredient in a use composition can be calculated from the amounts listed above for concentrate compositions and these dilution factors.

The present methods can employ medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid at a concentration effective for reducing the population of one or more microorganisms, for example, on a fruit, vegetable, other produce, in an aqueous stream, or on a food processing surface. Such effective concentrations include about 2 to about 500 ppm medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, about 2 to about 300 ppm medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, about 5 to about 100 ppm medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, about 5 to about 60 ppm medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, about 5 to about 45 ppm medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, about 5 to about 35 ppm medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, about 5 to about 25 ppm medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, about 8 to about 50 ppm medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, about 10 to about 500 ppm medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, about 10 to about 50 ppm medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, about 40 to about 140 ppm medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, about 100 to about 250 ppm medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, or about 200 to about 300 ppm medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid. In an embodiment, the use composition can include about 2 to about 500 ppm medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, about 5 to about 2000 ppm medium chain carboxylic acid, about 95 to about 99.99 wt-% carrier and/or diluent (e.g., water); and about 2 to about 23,000 ppm polyalkylene oxide, capped polyalkylene oxide, alkoxylated surfactant, anionic surfactant, or mixture thereof.

The level of reactive species, such as peroxycarboxylic acids and/or hydrogen peroxide, in a use composition can be affected, typically diminished, by organic matter that is found in or added to the use composition. For example, when the use composition is a bath or spray used for washing an object, soil on the object can consume peroxy acid and peroxide. Thus, the present amounts of ingredients in the use compositions refer to the composition before or early in use, with the understanding that the amounts will diminish as organic matter is added to the use composition.

In an embodiment, the present use composition can be made more acidic by passing the concentrate through an acidifying column, or by adding additional acidulant to the use composition.

Other Fluid Compositions

The present and compositions can include a critical, near critical, or supercritical (densified) fluid and an antimicrobial agent or a gaseous composition of an antimicrobial agent. The densified fluid can be a near critical, critical, supercritical fluid, or another type of fluid with properties of a supercritical fluid. Fluids suitable for densification include carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, ammonia, xenon, krypton, methane, ethane, ethylene, propane, certain fluoroalkanes (e.g., chlorotrifluoromethane and monofluoromethane), and the like, or mixtures thereof. Suitable fluids include carbon dioxide.

In an embodiment, the present compositions or methods include densified carbon dioxide, medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, and medium chain carboxylic acid. Such a composition can be referred to as a densified fluid medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition. In another embodiment, the antimicrobial composition includes the fluid, an antimicrobial agent, and any of the optional or added ingredients, but is in the form of a gas.

Densified fluid antimicrobial compositions can be applied by any of several methods known to those of skill in the art. Such methods include venting at an object a vessel containing densified fluid and antimicrobial agent. The aqueous phase, which includes hydrogen peroxide, is advantageously retained in the device. The vented gas includes an effective amount of antimicrobial agent making the densified fluid peroxycarboxylic acid compositions effective antimicrobial agents.

Because of the high pressure nature of the densified fluid compositions of the invention, these compositions are typically applied by venting a vessel containing the composition through a pressure relief device that is designed to promote rapid efficient coverage of an object. Devices including such a pressure relief device include sprayers, foggers, foamers, foam pad applicators, brush applicators or any other device that can permit the expansion of the fluid materials from high pressure to ambient pressure while applying the material to an object. The densified fluid peroxycarboxylic acid composition can also be applied to an object by any of a variety of methods known for applying gaseous agents to an object.

Densified fluid antimicrobial compositions can be made by reacting an oxidizable substrate with an oxidizing agent in a medium comprising a densified fluid to form an antimicrobial composition. This reaction is typically carried out in a vessel suitable for containing a densified fluid. Reacting can include adding to the vessel the oxidizable substrate and the oxidizing agent, and adding fluid to the vessel to form the densified fluid. In an embodiment, the reaction is between a medium chain carboxylic acid and hydrogen peroxide to form the corresponding peroxycarboxylic acid. The hydrogen peroxide is commonly supplied in the form of an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide.

Supercritical, subcritical, near supercritical, and other dense fluids and solvents that can be employed with such fluids are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,306,350, issued Apr. 26, 1994 to Hoy et al., which is incorporated by reference herein for such disclosure. Supercritical and other dense forms of carbon dioxide, and cosolvents, co-surfactants, and other additives that can be employed with these forms of carbon dioxide are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,866,005, issued Feb. 2, 1999 to DeSimone et al., which is incorporated by reference herein for such disclosure.

Making Medium Chain Peroxycarboxylic Acid Compositions

The compositions of or used in the methods of the invention can be made by combining or reacting the medium chain carboxylic acid and the oxidizing agent, such as hydrogen peroxide. Combining or reacting medium chain carboxylic acid and oxidizing agent results in production of medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid. In an embodiment, combining includes mixing. The formulation combined for making the present compositions can also include the solubilizer, the acidulant, the carrier, stabilizing agent, mixtures thereof, or the like. In an embodiment, the formulation includes solubilizer. Alternatively, one or more of the solubilizer, the acidulant, the carrier, or mixtures thereof, can be added after production of some or all of the peroxycarboxylic acid.

In an embodiment, the present invention includes a method of making a medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid. The method can include combining or reacting medium chain carboxylic acid, carrier (e.g., water), oxidizing agent (e.g., hydrogen peroxide), solubilizer, acidulant, and stabilizing agent. The method can include mixing the ingredients at concentrations of about 1 to about 10 wt-% medium chain carboxylic acid, about 0 to about 98 wt-% carrier, about 2 to about 30 wt-% oxidizing agent, about 1 to about 80 wt-% solubilizer, about 1 to about 50 wt-% acidulant, and about 0.5 to about 50 wt-% stabilizing agent. The method can include mixing the ingredients at concentrations about 1 to about 10 wt-% medium chain carboxylic acid, about 5 to about 97 wt-% carrier, about 2 to about 30 wt-% oxidizing agent, about 1 to about 20 wt-% solubilizer (e.g., microemulsion forming surfactant), about 1 to about 50 wt-% acidulant, and about 0.5 to about 50 wt-% stabilizing agent. The present compositions also include compositions in which these combinations of ingredients have come to equilibrium forming medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid.

In an embodiment, the present method produces advantageously high levels of medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid in advantageously short times. Advantageously short times include, for example, about 24 or fewer hours, about 6 or fewer hours, about 3 or fewer hours, or about 0.5 hr. In an embodiment, high levels of medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid can be achieved nearly instantaneously. High levels of medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid be achieved by converting 20% or more, 25% or more, 30% or more, 35% or more, or 40% of the medium chain carboxylic acid to medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid. Such conversions can be achieved at room temperature or in a reaction started at room temperature and warmed by an exotherm. Lower temperatures can require a longer time to reach the same amount of conversion. The amount of time is typically measured from the time that the carboxylic acid, oxidizing agent, solubilizer, and acidulant are combined or reacted.

For example, in an embodiment, the present method can convert 20% or more of the medium chain carboxylic acid to medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid in about 24 or fewer hours. For example, in an embodiment, the present method can convert about 25% or more of the medium chain carboxylic acid to medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid in about 24 or fewer hours. For example, in an embodiment, the present method can convert about 30% or more of the medium chain carboxylic acid to medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid in about 24 or fewer hours. For example, in an embodiment, the present method can convert about 35% or more of the medium chain carboxylic acid to medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid in about 24 or fewer hours. For example, in an embodiment, the present method can convert about 40% of the medium chain carboxylic acid to medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid in about 24 or fewer hours.

In an embodiment, making the present compositions includes forming a microemulsion. A microemulsion can be formed by mixing the desired ingredients including a microemulsion forming surfactant. The method can include combining or mixing the ingredients at concentration of about 1 to about 10 wt-% medium chain carboxylic acid, about 5 to about 97 wt-% carrier (e.g., water), about 2 to about 30 wt-% oxidizing agent, about 1 to about 20 wt-% microemulsion forming surfactant, and about 1 to about 50 wt-% stabilizer. The present compositions also include compositions in which these combinations of ingredients have come to equilibrium forming medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid. The components can be added in any of a variety of orders. In an embodiment, formation of the medium chain peroxy carboxylic acid can proceed rapidly after the addition of the microemulsion forming surfactant. Although not limiting to the present invention, it is believed that the formation of the microemulsion can significantly increase the effective surface area of the medium chain carboxylic acid (as micro-droplets) for reaction.

The present compositions can be made in a plant as a concentrate and shipped to an end user who need only dilute the concentrate to form a use composition. The present medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid compositions can also be made at the site of use. For example, the product can be shipped as a two or more part composition or as a kit. The user can then combine the two or more compositions or components of the kit to produce the present medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid compositions. Alternatively, a system of formulating equipment and containers of raw materials can be provided at the site of use, and programmed or operated to mix and disperse the present medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid compositions.

In an embodiment, the product can be supplied as a two or more part composition. One composition can include carboxylic acid and one or more of solubilizer, acidulant, carrier, stabilizing agent, mixtures thereof, or the like. The second composition can include oxidizing agent and one or more of solubilizer, acidulant, carrier, stabilizing agent mixtures thereof, or the like. Alternatively, the solubilizer, acidulant, carrier, stabilizing agent mixtures thereof, or the like can be supplied as additional composition(s).

In an embodiment, the pH of a concentrate composition can be less than about 1 or about 2. In an embodiment, the pH of a 1% or 1.5% solution of the mixture in water is about 1 or 2 to about 7, depending on the other components of the 1% solution. In an embodiment, the pH of a use composition can be from about 2 to about 7 depending on the other components.

Some examples of representative concentrations of ingredients useful in the present methods of making medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid compositions can be found in Tables G and H, in which the values are given in wt-% of the ingredients in reference to the total composition weight. In certain embodiments, the proportions and amounts in Tables G-H can be modified by “about”. The present compositions also include compositions in which these combinations of ingredients have come to equilibrium forming medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid. TABLE G Ingredient wt- % wt- % wt- % wt- % wt- % wt- % wt- % wt- % medium chain 1-10 3-8  4-6 2-8 3-6 1-10 3-8 3-6 carboxylic acid solubilizer 1-80 2-70  3-65  5-70 10-65 1-25  3-15  4-10 carrier 0-98 5-90 10-80 0.2-60   5-20 5-97 15-70 30-75

TABLE H Ingredient wt- % wt- % wt- % wt- % wt- % wt- % wt- % wt- % medium chain 1-10 3-8  4-6 2-8  3-6  1-10 3-8 3-6 carboxylic acid solubilizer 1-80 2-70  3-65 5-70 10-65  1-25  3-15  4-10 carrier 0-98 5-90 10-80 0.2-60   5-20 5-97 15-70 30-75 oxidizing agent 2-30 2-25  4-20 2-25 4-20 2-30  4-20  6-10 acidulant 1-50 2-40  3-40 2-40 3-40 1-50  3-35  5-30 stabilizing agent 1-50 1-10 1-5 1-10 1-5  1-50 1-5 1-3

The present invention may be better understood with reference to the following examples. These examples are intended to be representative of specific embodiments of the invention, and are not intended as limiting the scope of the invention.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Compositions Including Medium Chain Peroxycarboxylic Acid and Solubilizer

Tables 1-5 present illustrative examples of the present compositions including medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid and solubilizer. TABLE 1 Examples of Compositions Including Solvent Solubilizer Ingredient A B C D E Medium Chain 1.8 1.6 1.4 1.6 2.9 Peroxycarboxylic Acid Medium Chain 3.4 3.6 3.7 3.6 2.4 Carboxylic Acid Solubilizer 60 40 60 60 40 Carrier 25 22 25 22 22 Oxidizing Agent 7.0 6.6 7.0 6.9 6.9 Acidulant 2 25 2 5 25 Stabilizing Agent 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2

TABLE 2 Examples of Compositions Including Solvent Solubilizer and Surfactant Solubilizer Ingredient F G H I J K L M N O P Q Medium Chain 0.8 0.7 1.1 1.1 0.9 2.1 1.6 0.7 0.9 5.0 not 5.0 Peroxycarboxylic Acid measured Medium Chain 4.3 4.4 4.0 4.0 4.2 4.2 3.1 4.4 4.2 0.2 <5 0.2 Carboxylic Acid Solvent Solubilizer 0 40 40 40 42 44 42 34 29 28 28 28 Surfactant Solubilizer 45 5 2 5 8 6 7 6 4 6 6 10 Carrier 37 30 33 30 29 21 24 26 28 28 26 24 Oxidizing Agent 7.0 6.9 6.8 6.9 6.1 6.4 6.5 6.7 6.5 6.9 8.7 6.9 Acidulant 5 7 7 7 8 15 15 21 26 25 25 25 Stabilizing Agent 1.2 6 6 6 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2

In each of compositions A-Q: the medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid was peroxyoctanoic acid; the medium chain carboxylic acid was octanoic acid; the carrier was water; the oxidizing agent was hydrogen peroxide (supplied from a 35% solution); and the stabilizing agent was HEDP (supplied as Dequest 2010 which includes 60 wt-% HEDP).

In each of compositions A-L, 0, P, and Q: the acidulant was concentrated sulfuric acid. In compositions M and N, the acidulant was phosphoric acid (supplied as 85% and 75% phosphoric acid, respectively).

The solubilizer was varied among these compositions. In compositions A and B, the solubilizer was polyethyleneglycol 300. In compositions C, D, and E, the solubilizer was monomethyl ether of polyethyleneglycol (MPEG 550). In composition F, the solubilizer was nonionic surfactant, specifically Pluronic 17R4 an (PO)_(x)(EO)_(y)(PO)_(x) reverse triblock copolymer with 40% EO and 60% PO. In composition G, the solubilizer was polyethyleneglycol 300 plus LAS acid (98% linear dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid). In composition H, the solubilizer was polyethyleneglycol 300 plus 1-octane sulfonate (supplied under the tradename NAS-FAL as 38% active). In composition I, the solubilizer was polyethyleneglycol 300 plus Dowfax Hydrotrope acid (C₆ alkylated diphenyl oxide disulfonic acid). In composition J, the solubilizer was dimethyl ether of polyethyleneglycol (PolyDME250) and LAS acid. In composition K, the solubilizer was dimethyl ether of polyethyleneglycol (PolyDME250) and NAS-FAL. In composition L, the solubilizer was dimethyl ether of polyethyleneglycol (PolyDME250) and Dowfax Hydrotrope acid. In compositions M, N, O and P, the solubilizer was dimethyl ether of polyethyleneglycol (PolyDME250) and NAS-FAL. In composition Q, the solubilizer was dimethyl ether of polyethyleneglycol (PolyDME250) and NAS acid (supplied as 93% 1-octane sulfonic acid).

These compositions were made from a composition including 5 wt-% medium chain carboxylic acid. TABLE 3 Examples of Compositions Including Surfactant Solubilizer Ingredient R S T U V W X Y Z Medium Chain 0.5 0.4 1.0 1.0 0.7 3.8 3.7 3.8 3.5 Peroxycarboxylic Acid Medium Chain 4.6 4.6 3.1 3.1 3.4 2.6 2.7 2.6 2.9 Carboxylic Acid Surfactant Solubilizer 17 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 Carrier 32 29 27 27 27 24 24 24 24 Oxidizing Agent 8.0 8.3 9.2 9.2 9.3 8.6 8.7 8.6 8.7 Acidulant 36 36 38 38 38 39 39 39 39 Stabilizing Agent 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.4

In each of compositions R-Z: the medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid was peroxyoctanoic acid; the medium chain carboxylic acid was octanoic acid; the carrier was water; the oxidizing agent was hydrogen peroxide (supplied from a 35% solution); and the stabilizing agent was HEDP (supplied as Dequest 2010 which includes 60 wt-% HEDP).

In compositions R and S, the acidulant was phosphoric acid (supplied as 75% phosphoric acid). In each of compositions T, U, and V, the acidulant was reagent grade, 98%, concentrated sulfuric acid (15 wt-%) and phosphoric acid (23 wt-%) (supplied as 75% phosphoric acid). In compositions W, X, Y, and Z, the acidulant was concentrated sulfuric acid (25 wt-%) and phosphoric acid (14 wt-%) (supplied as 75% phosphoric acid).

The solubilizer was varied among these compositions. In composition R, the solubilizer was 1-octane sulfonate (1.9 wt-%) and Tegotens EC-11 (a butoxy capped alcohol ethoxylate, a fast wetting surfactant) (15 wt-%). In compositions S, T, and W the solubilizer was Tegotens EC-11. In compositions U and Y, the solubilizer was Dehypon LS-54 (R(EO)₅(PO)₄, a fast wetting surfactant). In compositions V and Z, the solubilizer was Dehypon LT-104 (a butyl capped alcohol ethoxylate). In composition X, the solubilizer was LF-221 (a butoxy capped alcohol ethoxylate). TABLE 4 Examples of Compositions Including Anionic Surfactant and/or Microemulsion Solubilizer Ingredient AA AA-O BB CC DD EE FF GG HH II JJ KK Medium Chain 1.5 2.0 1.2 1.4 1.3 1.4 1.1 1.0 1.2 1.0 1.1 1.3 Peroxycarboxylic Acid Medium Chain 3.6 2.7 2.9 2.5 2.6 2.5 2.8 2.9 2.9 3.1 3.0 2.6 Carboxylic Acid Solubilizer 8 5 5 9 4 4 6 4 5 5 5 4 Carrier 41 45 69 52 59 60 62 56 67 67 67 55 Oxidizing Agent 7.7 7.4 6.3 7.8 8.0 7.6 7.9 8.0 7.8 7.3 7.8 8.1 Acidulant 36 36 14 25 23 23 18 26 14 15 14 27 Stabilizing Agent 2.4 2.4 1.8 2.3 2.3 2.3 2.3 2.3 1.8 1.8 1.8 2.0 Ingredient LL MM NN OO PP QQ RR SS TT UU VV Medium Chain 1.4 1.1 1.5 not 0.9 0.5 0.54 3.4 0.2 1.0 0.4 Peroxycarboxylic Acid determined Medium Chain 2.5 2.7 2.3 <3.8 3.1 3.3 3.3 0.5 3.6 2.8 3.4 Carboxylic Acid Solubilizer 4 4 4 5 1 2 3 10 6 10 22 Carrier 56 57 57 40-50 60 59 58 53 54 51 39 Oxidizing Agent 7.8 6.9 6.5 <8 7.1 7.5 7.5 5.6 7.8 8.0 7.7 Acidulant 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 1.8 1.8 1.8 Stabilizing Agent 2.3 2.3 2.3 2.3 2.3 2.3 2.3 2.3 27 27 27

In each of compositions AA-VV: the medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid was peroxyoctanoic acid; the medium chain carboxylic acid was octanoic acid; the carrier was water; the oxidizing agent was hydrogen peroxide (supplied as 35% hydrogen peroxide in water); and the stabilizing agent was HEDP (supplied as Dequest 2010, which includes 60 wt-% HEDP).

In each of compositions AA, AA-0, DD, EE, GG, KK, LL, MM, NN, 00, PP, QQ, RR, SS, TT, UU, and VV the acidulant was phosphoric acid (supplied as 75% phosphoric acid). In composition BB, HH the acidulant was concentrated sulfuric acid (reagent grade, 98%). In composition CC, the acidulant was methane sulfonic acid (99.5%+Aldrich). In composition FF, the acidulant was nitric acid (supplied as 70% nitric acid). In composition II, the acidulant was concentrated sulfuric acid (technical grade, 93%). In composition JJ, the acidulant was sulfiric acid (supplied as 50% sulfuric acid).

The solubilizer was varied among these compositions. In compositions AA, AA-O, BB, CC, DD, FF, LL, HH, II, and JJ, the solubilizer was 1-octane sulfonate. In compositions EE and GG, the solubilizer was 1-octane sulfonate (3.8 wt-%) and Dehypon LS-54 (0.2 wt-%). In composition MM, the solubilizer was 1-octane sulfonate (3.8 wt-%) and Barlox 12 (dodecyldimethyl amine oxide, 30% active) (0.25 wt-%). In composition NN, the solubilizer was 1-octane sulfonate (3.8 wt-%) and Barlox 12 (0.5 wt-%). In composition OO, the solubilizer was 1-octane sulfonate (3.8 wt-%) and Barlox 12 (1 wt-%). In compositions PP, QQ, RR, and SS, the solubilizer was LAS-acid. In composition TT, the solubilizer was disodium cocoampho dipropionate (supplied under the tradename Miranol® FBS, which includes 39% solids). In composition UU, the solubilizer was an aminoproprionate betaine (supplied under the tradename Mirataine® JC-HA, which includes 42% solids). In composition VV, the solubilizer C12-13 alcohol 4 mole EO carboxylic acid (supplied under the tradename Neodox 23-4, which includes 90% active).

The quantities of medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid were determined in compositions PP, QQ, RR, and SS after 7.5 days at 60° C. TABLE 5 Examples of Compositions Including Anionic Surfactant and/or Microemulsion Solubilizer plus Strong Organic Acidulant Ingredient WW XX YY ZZ BA Medium Chain 1.5 1.3 0.5 0.5 0.8 Peroxycarboxylic Acid Medium Chain 2.5 2.7 3.5 3.5 3.2 Carboxylic Acid Solubilizer 4 4 4 4 4 Carrier 58 58 56 57 71 Oxidizing Agent 7.7 7.6 7.7 8.1 8.2 Acidulant 24 24 26 25 11 Stabilizing Agent 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8

In each of compositions WW, XX, YY, ZZ, and BA: the medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid was peroxyoctanoic acid; the medium chain carboxylic acid was octanoic acid; the carrier was water; the oxidizing agent was hydrogen peroxide (supplied as 35% hydrogen peroxide in water); the stabilizing agent was HEDP (supplied as Dequest 2010, which includes 60 wt-% HEDP); and the solubilizer was NAS-FAL.

The acidulant was varied among these compositions. In composition WW, the acidulant was hydroxyacetic acid (supplied as 75% hydroxyacetic acid) (19 wt-%) and sulfuric acid (reagent grade, 98%) (5 wt-%). In composition XX, the acidulant was hydroxyacetic acid (supplied as 75% hydroxyacetic acid) (19 wt-%) and methane sulfonic acid (99.5%+Aldrich) (5 wt-%). In composition YY, the acidulant was hydroxyacetic acid (supplied as 75% hydroxyacetic acid). In composition ZZ, the acidulant was purified hydroxyacetic acid. In composition BA, the acidulant was hydroxypropionic acid (supplied as 22% 3-hydroxypropionic acid).

In these compositions the hydroxycarboxylic acids contributed virtually no solubilization of the medium chain carboxylic acid. The compositions required solubilizer.

Making the Exemplified Compositions

Table 6 shows the rapid generation of peroxyoctanoic acid achieved in making composition KK. TABLE 6 Generation of Peroxyoctanoic Acid with Time at Room Temperature and at 120° F. (Composition KK) Minutes at [POOA] Minutes at [POOA] RT wt- % 120° F. wt- % 11 0.61 30 1.46 53 1.09 45 1.38 97 1.11 60 1.23 130 1.1 90 1.47 235 1.24 120 1.31 293 1.27 330 1.46 366 1.39 395 1.5

When a high level of sulfuric acid was used as the acidulant (Examples include B, E, O, and Q), a strong exotherm was obtained, and the medium chain peroxy carboxylic acid was generated rapidly, for example, virtually instantaneously. For some of these compositions, the sulfuric acid needed to be added slowly and with cooling to keep the temperature below 170° F. or below 120° F. Such formulas that can generate medium chain peroxy carboxylic acids, rapidly or almost instantaneously can be employed for on site generation at the use location.

The concentrations of peroxyoctanoic acid reported in the present examples were determined by a well established and standardized titration protocol. First, hydrogen peroxide content was determined by an oxidation-reduction titration with ceric sulfate. After the endpoint of this titration was reached, an excess of potassium iodide was added to the solution. The potassium iodide reacts with peroxycarboxylic acids to liberate iodine. The liberated iodine was titrated with a standard solution of sodium thiosulfate to yield the concentration of peroxycarboxylic acid. The remaining level of carboxylic acid can be calculated.

The octanoic acid employed in the present examples was obtained from sources including Procter & Gamble Chemicals and includes a minimum of 95% octanoic acid with minor amounts of hexanoic acid (ca. 2%), decanoic acid (ca. 2%), and dodecanoic acid (<0.5%).

Example 2 Stability of Compositions Including Medium Chain Peroxycarboxylic Acid and Solubilizer

Compositions according to the present invention were evaluated and demonstrated physical stability and advantageous stability of the medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid.

Materials and Methods

Several of the present medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid compositions were evaluated for stability of the medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid. A sealed container including the composition was placed in an oven at an elevated temperature or was left at room temperature for a period of time. The temperatures and times are reported in the tables below. One week at 60° C. can be considered equivalent to a year at room temperature (RT). The quantity of peroxycarboxylic acid was determined by titration.

Several of the present medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid compositions were also evaluated for physical stability. The sample were visually inspected at intervals at which peroxycarboxylic acid level was also determined.

Results

The results obtained for determinations of stability of the medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid and of physical stability are reported below in Tables 7 and 8.

The results presented in Table 7 for compositions M and N indicate that stability of the medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid decreases when phosphoric acid increases from 25% to 35%. This suggests that the compositions including solvent solubilizer are susceptible to degradation caused by impurities present in the technical grade phosphoric acid.

The results presented in Table 8, specifically the blue tyndall appearance, indicates that each of these compositions was in the form of a microemulsion.

A study of accelerated aging of a mixed peroxycarboxylic acid composition demonstrated that peroxyoctanoic acid in a mixed peracid composition underwent significant degradation at 60° C. in 7 days. After 7 days, three samples underwent 20, 23, and 54% degradation.

The microemulsion compositions were less susceptible to degradation by impurities. For example, compositions KK and LL included technical grade phosphoric acid and exhibited good stability. In contrast, if phosphoric acid is to be used in conventional formulations of peroxycarboxylic acids, high purity grade is required to avoid unacceptable degradation.

Compositions A, B, C, D, and E were two phase compositions. TABLE 7 Advantageous Stability of Medium Chain Peroxycarboxylic Acid in the Present Compositions Including Solvent Solubilizer Starting Wt- % Wt- % [POOA] Days at Remaining, Days Remaining, Composition (wt- %) 100° F. 100° F. at RT RT A 1.8 22 1 46 2.3 (after 1 day at 100° F.) B 1.6 37 0.8 37 2.1 C 1.4 36 0.9 36 1.3 D 1.6 36 0.7 36 1.4 E 2.9 36 0.4 36 1.8 F 0.8 31 1.1 31 0.9 J 0.9 33 1.2 13 1.2 (after 3 days at RT) K 2.1 33 1.1 17 2.0 (after 3 days at RT) L 1.6 22 1.2 13 1.5 (after 3 days at RT) M 0.7 28 1 8 1.1 N 0.9 28 0.7 7 1.4

TABLE 8 Stability of Compositions Including Anionic Surfactant and/or Microemulsion Solubilizer Starting [POOA] Days at Wt- % Composition (wt- %) 60° C. Remaining Appearance LL 1.4 7 1.4 1 phase, (after 1 day hazy blue tyndall at 60° C.) HH 1.2 7 1.2 Blue tyndall gel (after 3 days with no bubbles at 60° C. in solution. Slightly hazy. KK 1.3 7 1.3 1 phase, hazy blue tyndall

Example 3 Shear Thinning Viscosity of Compositions Including Medium Chain Peroxycarboxylic Acid and Solubilizer

Compositions according to the present invention were evaluated and demonstrated to have advantageous shear thinning viscosity, which is characteristic of microemulsions.

Materials and Methods

Several of the present medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid compositions were evaluated for viscosity as a function of rate of spindle rotation using an LVT viscometer and an N2 spindle. The temperature of the compositions was room temperature (about 75° F.).

Results

The results obtained for determinations of viscosity of the present compositions are reported below in Table 7. Decreasing viscosity with increasing spindle rotation rate indicates shear thinning, which is characteristic of a microemulsion. Each of the compositions tested showed shear thinning viscosity. TABLE 9 Shear Thinning Viscosity of Composition LL Viscosity Viscosity rpm (cp) rpm (cp) 0.6 3875 2 2260 1.5 2600 2.5 1952 3 1700 4 1380 6 1300 5 1208 12 863 10 736 30 483 20 468 60 308 50 280 100 204

TABLE 10 Shear Thinning Viscosity of Composition HH Viscosity Viscosity rpm (cp) rpm (cp) 0.6 7000 2 3500 1.5 3500 2.5 2848 3 2200 4 1950 6 1500 5 1648 12 950 10 976 30 515 20 600 60 315 50 324 100 212

TABLE 11 Shear Thinning Viscosity of Composition KK Viscosity rpm (cp) 0.5 4080 1 3120 2 2240 2.5 2016 4 1570 5 1344 10 820 20 520 50 320 100 218

Conclusions

The shear thinning viscosity of the present compositions is characteristic of a structured composition, such as a microemulsion.

Example 4 Antimicrobial Efficacy of the Present Compositions Including Medium Chain Peroxycarboxylic Acid and Solubilizer

Compositions according to the present invention were evaluated and demonstrated advantageous antimicrobial activity against microbes such as gram negative bacteria, gram positive bacteria, fungi, spores, viruses, and mycobacteria.

Materials and Methods

Antimicrobial activity was determined according to two well established methods. The first method was the procedure set out in Germicidal and Detergent Sanitizing Action of Disinfectants, Official Methods of Analysis of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists, paragraph 960.09 and applicable sections, 15th Edition, 1990 (EPA Guideline 91-2). The second method was the procedure described in A.O.A.C. Use Dilution Methods, Official Methods of Analysis of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists, paragraph 955.14 and applicable sections, 15th Edition, 1990 (EPA Guideline 91-2). Briefly, antimicrobial activity of the present compositions was determined by exposing a one mL aliquot containing the target microorganism to 99 mL of the desired concentration of the test substance at the desired temperature. After the specified contact time, one mL of the test solution containing the microorganism was neutralized and enumerated for survivors.

The hospital disinfectant efficacy of the present compositions was determined by drying the target microorganism on a stainless steel carrier and exposing the carrier to 10 mL of the desired concentration of test composition at the desired temperature for the specified contact time. Then, the carrier was aseptically transferred to a neutralizer/subculture medium.

Antiviral activity against Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 was determined by known procedures. Briefly: Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 was dried on a glass surface. The film of virus was exposed to test substance for 10 min at room temperature. Then, the mixture of film and test substance were subjected to gel filtration to separate small molecules from virus particles. The recovered virus was assayed for infectivity by an accepted assay method.

Antiviral activity against Poliovirus Type 1 was determined by known procedures. Briefly: Poliovirus Type 1 was dried on a glass surface. The film of virus was exposed to test substance for 5 min at room temperature. Then, the mixture of film and test substance were subjected to gel filtration to separate small molecules from virus particles. The recovered virus was assayed for infectivity by an accepted assay method.

Results

Tables 12-21 include data showing that the present medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid compositions had antimicrobial activity when tested against bacteria, fungi, and spores in several different types of tests.

The data presented in Table 12 demonstrate that the present compositions exhibited significant antimicrobial activity when diluted with a diluent to pH less than 4. Efficacy was not as great if the composition was diluted and then the pH was brought to less than or equal to 4. These results illustrate that present compositions with significant levels of acidulant exhibited, under certain circumstances, advantageous activity.

The data presented in Table 13 demonstrate that the present compositions exhibited significant antimicrobial activity at pH of 2.6 to 3.5. These results indicate that at a pH of 6.1, 11 ppm of peroxyoctanoic acid (POOA) is still effective at reducing S. aureus by >7.04 log. The data presented in Table 14 demonstrate that efficacy of this composition was not as great against E. coli if it was diluted and then the pH was brought to less than 4.

The data presented in Table 15 demonstrate that the present compositions exhibited significant antimicrobial activity. All formulas tested achieved >5 log reductions of Escherichia coli in 30 seconds at 0.069% when diluted in 500 ppm synthetic hard water. Also, these compositions achieved complete kill (>7 log reduction) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 30 seconds at 0.082% when diluted in 500 ppm synthetic hard water. The combination of higher pH and lower ppm in one composition may have contributed to the lower log reduction.

The data presented in Table 16 demonstrate that the present compositions exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against several fungi and bacteria. The present compositions exhibited broad spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi at low levels of medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid. These results indicate that composition 106 is more effective that composition DD. Composition BB achieved higher reductions of A. niger and P. aeruginosa at similar levels of peroxycarboxylic acid.

The data presented in Table 17 demonstrate that the present compositions exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against several fungi and several bacteria.

The data presented in Table 18 demonstrate that one of the present compositions (KK) exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against E. coli O157:H7, S. typhimurium, and L. monocytogenes. This composition achieved more than 99.999% reduction within a 30 second exposure time.

The data presented in Table 19 demonstrate that the present compositions exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against several bacteria in a hospital disinfectant test. The hospital disinfectant test measures whether the composition killed all of the microbes on a stainless steel carrier. A composition listed as 10/10 killed all of the bacteria on each of 10 carriers. Likewise a result of 60/60 indicates that a composition kills all of the bacteria on each of 60 carriers. These results present a greater challenge for an antimicrobial agent because it requires activity in the presence of 5% fetal bovine serum. Therefore, it indicates that the present compositions were effective as a hospital disinfectant in the presence of blood soil.

The data presented in Table 20 demonstrate that one of the present compositions exhibited superior antimicrobial activity against several bacteria in a hospital disinfectant test compared to a conventional, commercially available antimicrobial agent. The hospital disinfectant test measures whether the composition killed all of the microbes on a particular carrier. The composition according to the present invention, AA-O, passed the hospital disinfectant test, with complete kill on 59 of 60 carriers. The conventional antimicrobial agent (containing hydrogen peroxide as active) did not pass the test. It yielded complete kill on only 58 of 60 carriers. These results indicate that in the presence of fetal bovine serum and when diluted in synthetic hard water the current composition was more effective than the commercially available hospital disinfectant.

The data presented in Table 21 demonstrate that the present compositions exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against bacterial spores. Bacterial spores are difficult to kill. These results indicate that at elevated temperatures the effectiveness of the present compositions increased, which provided for effective kill at reduced contact times.

The data presented in Table 22 demonstrate that the present compositions exhibited superior antimicrobial activity against bacterial spores compared to conventional peroxide and peroxycarboxylic acid antimicrobials. The present composition resulted in greater kill at equal or lower concentrations of antimicrobial active. These results indicate that the present compositions exhibited superior antimicrobial activity compared to conventional antimicrobials.

The data presented in Table 23 demonstrate that the present compositions exhibited effective antimicrobial activity against Mycobacterium bovis. The present composition (B) provided complete kill of M. bovis BCG at dilutions of 1 oz per 4 gal and 1 oz per 6 gal with exposure times as short as 6 min. These results indicate that the compositions of the present invention can be employed as a tuberculocidal agent.

Tests against Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 resulted in complete kill of this virus. The virus was dried onto a hard surface. The virus on the hard surface was contacted for 10 min with composition B diluted at 1 oz per 6 gallons or 1 oz per 8 gallons. Both dilutions resulted in complete kill, a greater than 5.3 log reduction in virus. Virus and cells survived in appropriate controls. These results indicate that the present compositions are effective virucides.

Tests against Poliovirus Type 1 resulted in nearly complete kill of this virus. The virus was dried onto a hard surface. The virus on the hard surface was contacted for 10 min with composition LL diluted at 1 oz per 1 gallon or 1 oz per 0.5 gallons. The dilution of 1 oz to 1 gallon completely killed the poliovirus at 5 different titers, killed no virus at the highest titer, and resulted in incomplete kill at the second and third highest titers. This dilution exhibited 1.5 log reduction in virus titer. The dilution of 1 oz to 0.5 gallons completely killed poliovirus at all titers tested. This dilution resulted in >4 log reduction in virus titer. Virus and cells survived in appropriate controls. These results indicate that the present compositions are effective general virucides.

The data presented in Table 24 demonstrate that the present compositions exhibited antimicrobial activity superior to that of compositions including synthetic medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid that had been added to a composition. Better efficacy was found in the solutions with the lower pH, which were made up with Milli-Q water. The 60 ppm sample almost achieved a 5 log reduction in 30 seconds. However, this data indicates that the pH of the test solution can be more important than the ppm of active POOA.

The data presented in Table 25 demonstrate that the present compositions exhibited antimicrobial activity superior to that of compositions including synthetic medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid that had been added to a composition. These data further suggest that POOA exhibited greater activity against Escherichia coli a pH of ˜4.0 and a concentration >5 ppm no matter what diluent is used. Against Staphylococcus aureus POOA achieved 5 log reductions at a concentration of 5 ppm and at a pH of ˜5. There was no difference between the reductions seen in Milli-Q water and soft water for either organism. TABLE 12 Antimicrobial Activity of Compositions Including Solvent Solubilizer Against E. coli and S. aureus with 30 Second Exposure at Room Temperature [POOA] Log Reduction Log Reduction Composition (ppm) Diluent pH of E. coli of S. aureus F stored at RT 5 HW - pH 5.0 3.19 2.45 6.10 for 31 days HW - pH 7.8 7.74 0.10 3.52 0.92% POOA HW - adjusted to pH 4.0 after dosing 3.98 0.10 5.62 8 HW - pH 5.0 3.03 7.15 >6.70 HW - pH 7.8 6.16 0.07 5.62 HW - adjusted to pH 4.0 after dosing 4.00 0.65 >6.40 12 HW - pH 5.0 2.86 >7.15 >6.70 HW - pH 7.8 4.41 0.59 6.70 HW - adjusted to pH 4.0 after dosing 3.96 2.84 6.40 F stored at 100° F. 7 HW - pH 5.0 3.19 1.39 5.80 for 31 days HW - pH 7.8 6.80 0.15 2.09 1.13% POOA HW - adjusted to pH 4.0 after dosing 3.89 0.15 5.24 10 HW - pH 5.0 3.01 >6.84 6.70 HW - pH 7.8 6.14 0.10 5.24 HW - adjusted to pH 4.0 after dosing 3.89 0.39 5.49 14 HW - pH 5.0 2.85 >7.15 >6.70 HW - pH 7.8 4.28 0.28 >6.40 HW - adjusted to pH 4.0 after dosing 4.07 1.40 6.22 HW = 500 ppm synthetic hard water

TABLE 13 Antimicrobial Activity of Compositions Including Solvent Solubilizer Against E. coli and S. aureus with a 30 Second Exposures at Room Temperature - Tests Conducted Using pH Adjusted Synthetic Hard Water pH of pH of Test Log Reduction Log Reduction Composition Diluent Substance of E. coli of S. aureus K 3.9-4.0 2.64 >7.11 >7.04 (0.086 wt- %) 4.9-5.1 2.74 >7.11 >7.04 16 ppm POOA 5.9-6.1 2.75 >7.11 >7.04 7.7-7.9 3.50 >7.11 >7.04 K 3.9-4.0 2.80 >7.11 >7.04 (0.057 wt- %) 4.9-5.1 2.83 >7.11 >7.04 11 ppm POOA 5.9-6.1 2.97 >7.11 >7.04 7.7-7.9 6.12 0.21 >7.04

TABLE 14 Antimicrobial Activity of Compositions Including Solvent Solubilizer Against E. coli and S. aureus with 30 Second Exposure at Room Temperature - Tests Conducted With pH is Adjustment After Dosing Natural Adjusted Log Reduction Log Reduction Composition pH pH of E. coli of S. aureus K (0.050 wt- %) 5.09 3.91* 2.84 >6.84 K (0.057 wt- %) 4.92 3.85** 4.61 >6.84 *2 drops of 1.0 N HCl **5 drops of 1.0 N HCl

TABLE 15 Antimicrobial Activity of Compositions Including Anionic Surfactant and/or Microemulsion Solubilizer Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli with 30 Second Exposure at Room Temperature to a Composition Made with 500 ppm Synthetic Hard Water at pH 7.60 Use-Solution Log Reduction Log Reduction Composition [POOA] ppm pH of E. coli of P. aeruginosa T 13 2.9 5.16* Not Tested U 13 3.1 >7.28 V 12 3.0 >7.28 T 16 2.8 Not tested >7.15 U 16 2.8 >7.15 V 15 2.9 4.75 *= Duplicate plate counts were not consistent

TABLE 16 Antimicrobial Activity of Compositions Including Anionic Surfactant and/or Microemulsion Solubilizer Against Several Fungi and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with a 30 Second Exposure at Room Temperature Log Kill of Log Kill Log Kill of S. Log Kill of of A. P. Com- [POOA] cerevisiae, C. albicans, niger, (5 aeruginosa position (ppm) (30 sec, RT) (30 sec, RT) min, RT) (30 sec, RT) BB 22 >5.6 >6.1 1.6 20 5.1 >6.1 1.4 18 4.7 >6.1 1.2 >7.2 17 >7.2 16 >7.2 15 4.1 4.2 1.0 >7.2 14 >7.2 13 4.7 DD 16 0 5.6 15 0 3.5 14 0 1.8 13 0 0.73

TABLE 17 Antimicrobial Activity of Compositions Including Anionic Surfactant and/or Microemulsion Solubilizer Against Several Fungi and Several Bacteria with a 30 Second Exposure at Room Temperature Log Kill of Log Kill of Log Kill of Log Kill of Log Kill of E. coli Log Kill of Log Kill of [POOA] S. cerevisiae, C. albicans, A. niger, (5 min, P. aeruginosa O157:H7 L. monocytogenes S. aureus Composition (ppm) (30 sec, RT) (30 sec, RT) RT) (30 sec, RT) (30 sec, RT) (30 sec, RT) (30 sec, RT) LL 34 >5.6 >6.1 3.0 30 >5.6 >6.1 2.3 27 >5.6 >6.1 1.7 23 4.6 >6.1 1.4 5 >7  >7 21 >7  >7 HH 26 >5.4 >5.8 3.4 21 4.2 >5.8 2.2 17 4.1 >5.8 1.4 >7.0 >7* >7.0 6.4 16 >7.0 >7* >7.0 4.5 *also killed a less virulent strain of E. coli;

TABLE 18 Antimicrobial Activity of Composition Including Anionic Surfactant and/or Microemulsion Solubilizer Against Several Bacteria 30 and 60 Second Exposure at Room Temperature Log Kill of Log Kill of E. coli S. O157:H7, typhimurium, Log Kill of [POOA] (30 and (30 and L. monocytogenes, Composition (ppm) 60 sec, RT) 60 sec, RT) (30 and 60 sec, RT) KK 17 >6.9 >7.2 >6.6

TABLE 19 Antimicrobial Activity of Compositions Including Anionic Surfactant and/or Microemulsion Solubilizer Against Several Bacteria in a Hospital Disinfectant Test S. aureus E. faecalis (methicillin (vancomycin P. aeruginosa resistant) resistant) [POOA] (kill tubes/total (kill tubes/total (kill tubes/total Composition (ppm) tubes) tubes) tubes) BB 130 60/60 89 59/60 59 60/60 10/10 10/10 44 58/60 10/10 10/10 DD 140 60/60 93 60/60 62 60/60 47 58/60 LL 91 10/10 10/10 68 10/10 10/10

TABLE 20 Antimicrobial Activity of Composition Including Anionic Surfactant and/or Microemulsion Solubilizer and of Conventional Antimicrobial Composition Against Several Bacteria in a Hospital Disinfectant Test P. aeruginosa S. aureus [POOA] (kill tubes/total (kill tubes/total Composition (ppm) tubes) tubes) AA-O 196 60/60 59/60 (0.98 wt- %) Virox 5 0 58/60 58/60 (1:16 dilution)

TABLE 21 Antimicrobial Activity of Compositions Including Anionic Surfactant and/or Microemulsion Solubilizer Against Bacterial Spores Log Kill of Log Kill of Bacillus cereus Bacillus cereus [POOA] spores (30 sec spores (10 sec Composition (ppm) at 40° C.) at 60° C.) BB 200 2.1 4.7 150 0.21 2.0 HH 240 4.2 5.6 180 0.94 2.6 DD 200 4.5 6.0 150 0.53 4.1 LL 290 4.7 5.7 220 0.88 4.3

TABLE 22 Antimicrobial Activity of Compositions Including Anionic Surfactant and/or Microemulsion Solubilizer and of Conventional Compositions Against Bacterial Spores Exposure Exposure Concentration of Temperature Time Composition Antimicrobial pH (° C.) (sec) Log Reduction H₂O₂   35% 3.32 40 30 1.19 60 2.94 120 >6.30 60 10 1.59 20 4.85 30 4.89 80 10 >6.30 20 >6.30 30 >6.30 KK  250 ppm POOA 1.85 40 30 2.33 (2.0 wt- %) 1400 ppm H₂O₂ 60 6.30  520 ppm OA 120 >6.30 60 10 5.30 20 >6.30 30 >6.30 80 10 >6.30 20 >6.30 30 >6.30 Conventional  750 ppm peracid 3.06 40 30 1.02 Mixed 1000 ppm H2O2 60 2.80 Peroxycarboxylic  555 ppm OA 120 4.22 Acid 60 10 3.96 (1.5 wt- %) 20 5.22 30 >6.30 80 10 >6.30 20 >6.30 30 >6.30 Conventional 2610 ppm POAA 2.61 40 30 0.30 Peroxyacetic 1.26% H2O2 60 0.30 Acid 120 0.75 (4.5 wt- %) 60 10 0.58 20 1.85 30 2.64 80 10 4.70 20 >6.30 30 >6.30

TABLE 23 Antimicrobial Activity of Compositions Including Solvent Solubilizer Against Mycobacteria Exposure Time at [POOA] Room Temperature Log Kill of Composition (ppm) (min) M. bovis B 39 5 >6.5 10 >6.5 15 >6.5 20 >6.5 B 26 5 6.2 10 6.2 15 >6.5 20 >6.5

TABLE 24 Antimicrobial Activity of Compositions Including POOA from Pure Crystals at 60, 40 and 20 ppm in Milli-Q and Synthetic Hard Water Log Test Reduction Substance Concentration Diluent pH of E. coli Pure POOA 60 ppm 500 ppm Synthetic 7.54 1.12 Crystals 40 ppm Hard Water, pH 7.77 7.61 0.93 20 ppm 7.68 0.62 60 ppm Milli-Q water 5.08 4.68 40 ppm 5.28 2.61 20 ppm 5.58 0.55

TABLE 25 Antimicrobial Activity of Compositions Including of POOA from Pure Crystalsin Milli-Q and Soft Water at Differing pH Values Against Two Bacteria with a 30 Second Exposure at Room Temperature Test Post Test Log Reduction Log Reduction Substance Concentration Diluent pH of E. coli of S. aureus Pure POOA  5 ppm Milli-Q water pH 6.60 6.24 0.09 6.04 Crystals Milli-Q water pH 5.98 5.89 0.11 4.44 Milli-Q water pH 5.00 5.03 0.07 5.01 Milli-Q water pH 4.04 4.09 1.34 6.28 Soft water pH 9.29 9.12 0.07 0.1 Soft water pH 5.91* 6.68 0.08 4.19 Soft water pH 5.08* 5.79 0.09 5.16 Soft water pH 3.91 4.01 1.26 5.82 10 ppm Milli-Q water pH 6.60 5.80 0.06 >6.82 Milli-Q water pH 5.98 5.90 0.1 6.52 Milli-Q water pH 5.00 4.98 0.07 >6.82 Milli-Q water pH 4.04 4.08 6.04 >6.82 Soft water pH 9.29 9.09 0.07 0.26 Soft water pH 5.91 6.68 0.24 >6.82 Soft water pH 5.08 5.67 0.55 6.12 Soft water pH 3.91 4.01 6.34 6.28 *Indicates a pH drift of ˜0.7 pH units during the 5 hours the test was performed.

It should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a composition containing “a compound” includes a mixture of two or more compounds. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

All publications and patent applications in this specification are indicative of the level of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

The invention has been described with reference to various specific and preferred embodiments and techniques. However, it should be understood that many variations and modifications may be made while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A method of reducing a microbial population in an aqueous stream used for transporting or processing food product, the method comprising: treating the aqueous stream with a medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition in amount and for time sufficient to reduce the microbial population; the aqueous stream comprising: about 2 to about 500 ppm peroxyoctanoic acid; about 5 to about 2000 ppm octanoic acid; about 95 to about 99.99 wt-% water; and about 2 to about 23,000 ppm polyalkylene oxide, monoalkyl ether of polyalkylene oxide, dialkyl ether of polyalkylene oxide, nonionic surfactant, anionic surfactant, or mixture thereof; the composition comprising at least about 2 parts by weight of peroxyoctanoic acid for each 7 parts by weight of octanoic acid.
 2. A method of reducing a microbial population in an aqueous stream used for transporting or processing food product, the method comprising: adding to the aqueous stream a medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition; and reducing the microbial population in the aqueous stream; the added medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition comprising: about 0.0005 to about 5 wt-% peroxyoctanoic acid; about 0.001 to about 10 wt-% octanoic acid; about 5 to about 99.99 wt-% water; about 0.001 to about 60 wt-% polyalkylene oxide, monoalkyl ether of polyalkylene oxide, dialkyl ether of polyalkylene oxide, nonionic surfactant, anionic surfactant, or mixture thereof; about 0.002 to about 10 wt-% oxidizing agent; about 0.001 to about 30 wt-% inorganic acid; and about 0.001 to about 5 wt-% sequestrant; the composition comprising at least about 2 parts by weight of peroxyoctanoic acid for each 7 parts by weight of octanoic acid.
 3. A method of reducing a microbial population in an aqueous stream used for transporting or processing food product, the method comprising: adding to the aqueous stream a medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition; and reducing the microbial population in the aqueous stream; the added medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition comprising: about 0.5 to about 5 wt-% peroxyoctanoic acid; about 1 to about 10 wt-% octanoic acid; about 5 to about 97 wt-% water; about 1 to about 20 wt-% anionic surfactant; about 5 to about 10 wt-% oxidizing agent; about 15 to about 35 wt-% inorganic acid; and about 1 to about 5 wt-% sequestrant; the composition comprising a microemulsion.
 4. A method of reducing a microbial population in an aqueous stream used for transporting or processing food product, the method comprising: adding to the aqueous stream a medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition; and reducing the microbial population in the aqueous stream; the added medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition comprising: about 0.0005 to about 5 wt-% peroxyoctanoic acid; about 0.001 to about 10 wt-% octanoic acid; about 40 to about 99.99 wt-% water; about 0.001 to about 60 wt-% polyalkylene oxide, monoalkyl ether of polyalkylene oxide, dialkyl ether of polyalkylene oxide, anionic surfactant, nonionic surfactant, or mixture thereof, or mixture thereof; about 0.002 to about 10 wt-% oxidizing agent; about 0.001 to about 30 wt-% inorganic acid; and about 0.001 to about 5 wt-% sequestrant.
 5. An antimicrobial concentrate composition comprising: a medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition effective for reducing the microbial burden in an aqueous stream; the composition comprising: about 0.0005 to about 5 wt-% peroxyoctanoic acid; about 0.001 to about 10 wt-% octanoic acid; about 5 to about 99.99 wt-% water; about 0.001 to about 60 wt-% polyalkylene oxide, monoalkyl ether of polyalkylene oxide, dialkyl ether of polyalkylene oxide, nonionic surfactant, anionic surfactant, or mixture thereof; about 0.002 to about 10 wt-% oxidizing agent; about 0.001 to about 30 wt-% inorganic acid; and about 0.001 to about 5 wt-% sequestrant; the composition comprising at least about 2 parts by weight of peroxyoctanoic acid for each 7 parts by weight of octanoic acid.
 6. An antimicrobial concentrate composition comprising: a medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition effective for reducing the microbial burden in an aqueous stream; the composition comprising: about 0.5 to about 5 wt-% peroxyoctanoic acid; about 1 to about 10 wt-% octanoic acid; about 5 to about 97 wt-% water; about 1 to about 20 wt-% anionic surfactant; about 5 to about 10 wt-% oxidizing agent; about 15 to about 35 wt-% inorganic acid; and about 1 to about 5 wt-% sequestrant; the composition comprising a microemulsion.
 7. An antimicrobial concentrate composition comprising: a medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition effective for reducing the microbial burden in an aqueous stream; the composition comprising: about 0.0005 to about 5 wt-% peroxyoctanoic acid; about 0.001 to about 10 wt-% octanoic acid; about 40 to about 99.99 wt-% water; about 0.001 to about 60 wt-% polyalkylene oxide, monoalkyl ether of polyalkylene oxide, dialkyl ether of polyalkylene oxide, anionic surfactant, nonionic surfactant, or mixture thereof, or mixture thereof; about 0.002 to about 10 wt-% oxidizing agent; about 0.001 to about 30 wt-% inorganic acid; and about 0.001 to about 5 wt-% sequestrant.
 8. A method of treating produce to reduce a microbial population on the produce, the method comprising applying to the produce a medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition; the composition comprising: about 2 to about 500 ppm peroxyoctanoic acid; about 5 to about 2000 ppm octanoic acid; about 95 to about 99.99 wt-% water; and about 2 to about 23,000 ppm polyalkylene oxide, monoalkyl ether of polyalkylene oxide, dialkyl ether of polyalkylene oxide, nonionic surfactant, anionic surfactant, or mixture thereof; the composition comprising at least about 2 parts by weight of peroxyoctanoic acid for each 7 parts by weight of octanoic acid. 9-28. (canceled) 